How often do we sit down to eat and really stop to think about where our food comes from? We live such busy lives and, for many, convenience foods are necessary fuel to keep us going. Yet there’s power in knowing, and Karen Petersen, Executive Director of Northeast Indiana Local Food Network (NEILFN), is on a mission to inform and inspire – to improve our regional food system. I sat down with Karen to learn about the upcoming Local Food Week. Read on for what brought her to Fort Wayne, and how she got her start with farming.

Tell me about Local Food Week. Local Food Week is a multi-county, ten-day celebration across Northeast Indiana. It runs from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, August 2, and is designed to connect the community with the people behind our food and foster a deeper connection to where our food comes from. We’ve partnered with local farms, markets, organizations and restaurants to plan almost 100 events such as farm tours, demonstrations, special meals at local restaurants, etc. Most events – aside from dining at restaurants – are entirely free. It is open to all, and many events are kid friendly. Check out the neifood.org website and read through our “Companion Guide,” which provides a schedule and details for all the events.

How did you get involved with it? When my family started Pequash Farms several years ago, I wanted to get more connected to the agricultural community in Fort Wayne. I had met Janet Katz, founding director of NEILFN, years before and reached out when they had a short-term contract job opportunity. I met with Janet and two members of the board, and we just clicked. I was eventually offered the opportunity to join the board and I jumped at the chance.

So, you’re a farmer, too? Yes, Pequash Farms is at the three-year-mark, and we’re still beginner farmers. When we moved to Fort Wayne for work, my husband talked me into this 20-acre parcel of land. I refer to it as our midlife Renaissance, because it sounds better than midlife crisis. But he had a vision! It was conventionally farmed for generations, and was not in great shape, but every year we just do a little bit more. We grow vegetables and have some animals, including chickens. The chickens rotate through the pasture and help bring nutrients to the soil. We move the chickens around every week during the summer. It’s been really enjoyable and we’re seeing our soil health improve. The critters are coming back and we see butterflies again. It’s wonderful.

What does the name mean? I grew up on Long Island, on Pequash Avenue. Pequash means “open land,” in the local Native American language. My parents were teachers, not farmers, but that part of New York has a thriving farming community and some vineyards.

Favorite holiday or tradition you cherish? Nothing says Thanksgiving to me like a long brunch paired with the Macy’s Day Parade. As a native New Yorker and former band mom, seeing the Broadway casts and high school marching bands perform is a nostalgic tradition that consistently fills me with happiness.

How do you meet new people? I am naturally more reserved, so I truly value how my husband takes the lead in meeting new people. He is wonderful at organizing gatherings centered around good food that help us bridge the gap from neighbors to true friends. He definitely enriches my life by opening doors to community connections I might not find on my own.

Cherished food memory (or perfect comfort food)? Because my mother’s side immigrated from Poland, my comfort food consists of Polish classics like kielbasa, sauerkraut and golumpkis. We didn’t have them often when I was young (my dad was a very picky eater). But now they represent a sense of home that I carry with me. Every time I enjoy these dishes, I feel a connection to the family members I’ve lost and the history that shaped me.

Something you’re proud of? As someone who was never a runner, I completed the Indy Monumental Marathon. How did that happen? I heard someone assert that if you can run a 5K, you can do a marathon, and I was intrigued. I followed a training program and made it happen. I still jog from time to time but have never considered myself a runner.

What’s hospitality to you? What does a good host do? Several years ago, I learned about the Danish concept of hygge, which is focused on creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. It is best described as sharing a relaxed moment with good people and that to me is the best type of hospitality, especially when people share something that they love or that is personal to them – be it food, drink, etc.

Important hobby or pastime? I am an avid reader who values books as a means to expand my horizons and deepen my perspective. Whether exploring sustainable farming, cultural concepts like hygge, or history, I use reading as a tool for reflection and inspiration to better inform how I navigate the world.

Something that’s changed for the better in your lifetime? I have seen a wonderful shift in the opportunities for women to be bold and pursue their dreams without apology. While there is still a long way to go, the growing encouragement for women to lead with confidence has changed our society for the better.

How would those who know you best describe you? I asked my daughter and husband. Here’s what they said: considerate and always looking out for other people, loyal, trustworthy, respectful and a good listener.

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