Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, July 15, 2015
(UNDATED) - When most people think of Indiana, cornfields and farms, basketball and the Indianapolis 500 come to mind.
What people don't realize is that more than 90 percent of food purchased in Indiana is not produced in Indiana.
Only 10 percent of the $16 billion Hoosiers spend on food each year in sent out of state.
Last week marked the official launch of the Indiana Department of Agriculture's new Indiana Grown Initiative.
The free program, led by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman, will help Indiana-based producers by connecting them with stores, restaurants and farmers markets.
Anyone who produces or sells any type of food or beverage is welcome to partner with the program.
Not only will the new initiative help Indiana farmers connect with retailers, but also with consumers.
Beginning last week, shoppers in Indiana could find Indiana Grown labels on foods in many local grocery stores.
Using the stickers, shoppers can now identify foods that are "100% Indiana," products grown in Indiana and all ingredients come from Indiana, or "Prepared in Indiana," products made from ingredients from other places but produced in Indiana alone.
Stores will also be marked as partners that assist in marketing Indiana grown products and members.
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