From Fencerows to Foodsheds

Across America’s heartland, communities are nestled among expansive fields of corn and soybeans. Why, with all this bounty, do so many local families not have enough nutritious food to eat? From Fencerows to Foodsheds shares the inspiring stories of two Indiana communities who are addressing this crucial issue as they honor their agricultural heritage, revitalize their economy, and improve their families’ access to healthy food by working to rebuild their local foodshed.

As the film opens farmers and townspeople share their heartfelt concerns about the health and resiliency of their communities and wonder if locally grown and prepared food has the power to make their communities stronger. Through a wide range of authentic midwestern voices, the film is grounded in the unique perspectives of the heartland. As the story unfolds, the film introduces a dynamic network of concerned citizens devoted to reimaging the local food system in both Elkhart County and the Batesville region of Indiana.

In Elkhart County, the region’s Amish and Mennonite heritage contributes to its pastoral character and strong sense of community. However, the stability of the area’s economy is threatened by its reliance on the volatile RV manufacturing industry. A committed group of farmers, marketers, educators and policy makers shares their individual perspectives through on-location interviews at community gardens, food pantries, soup kitchens, and farms across the region. Their stories illustrate how the abundant agricultural and manufacturing resources in their community have the potential to both strengthen and diversify their local economy and improve the region’s food security.

In Batesville, the film captures the story of a thriving small town seeking to maintain its quality of life, ensure its future, and improve community wellness by increasing the availability of locally produced food. Through interviews at local restaurants, hospitals, schools, farmers’ markets and farms, a dedicated group of dieticians, farmers, teachers, chefs and community advocates shares stories of their challenges and their vision of how locally grown food can improve the health of their soil and their neighbors.

This circle of the young and old, conservative and progressive, farmers and townspeople in both communities shares the common lessons they have learned in the conclusion of From Fencerows to Foodsheds. By working together, communities can instill a new sense of value and vitality in their local food system and fulfill their common vision of healthy families and thriving farms, resilient local economies and abundant local landscapes.