FARMWISE Indiana will host two free events in Winona Lake and Logansport in August designed to connect Hoosier farmers and producers with institutional and wholesale buyers such as school food service directors.

The Winona Lake event is Aug. 17 at Miller Sunset Pavilion, and the Logansport event is Aug. 24 at The Kitchen + Pavilion. Both events run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FARMWISE in a nonprofit organization that strengthens Indiana’s food economy by equipping farmers, buyers and supply chain partners with the connections, knowledge and coordination needed to expand access to locally grown food across the state, according to its website.

With many schools back in session, the school year’s first local food opportunities are right around the corner, FARMWISE Indiana said in a release.

“FARMWISE Indiana is bringing both sides of that equation together at two free Regional Wholesale Connect events this August, where Indiana farmers and food producers will meet the institutional and wholesale buyers – including school food service directors – who are actively looking to source local right now,” the organization said in the release. “August is prime harvest time for Indiana produce farmers, and it is exactly when school food service directors are planning menus and sourcing decisions for the year ahead.”

Early childhood education and school food service staff who attend will receive continuing education and professional development credits at both events, courtesy of FARMWISE Indiana and Indiana Grown for Schools.

FARMWISE Indiana said the events are not trade shows, and that buyers representing K-12 schools, universities, hospitals, restaurants, distributors and food service operators are expected to attend.

Farmers, food manufacturers, value-added producers and food hubs currently selling wholesale or actively preparing to enter wholesale markets should attend, the release said.

Each producer will receive a six-foot table and access to electricity. FARMWISE Indiana is encouraging producers to bring samples.

Registration is required. A brief follow-up conversation with the FARMWISE Indiana team is part of the registration process for producers, the release said. To registers as a farmer/producer, visit https://forms.gle/M5gqvKypGLc3AxTH8. To register as a buyer, visit https://forms.gle/Y14uYtLS2NSUqaCr5. For more information, contact Heather Tallman at Heather@FARMWISEIndiana.org.