INDIANAPOLIS — Caroline Patrick has been named the new director of the Indiana Grown program and will lead its nearly 2,000 members.
Patrick’s background focuses on culinary arts and local food procurement. She was most recently Director of Food Nutrition at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis where she started a bistro in the hospital focused on local foods. Her education includes a culinary arts degree from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
In this role of Indiana Grown director, Patrick will help to ensure Indiana Grown members find and secure new opportunities and work to help consumers shop for local products. She will also meet with elected officials statewide to help them better understand the program and the need to support local food-based businesses and artisans. Additionally, she will oversee the Indiana Grown team and work with them to set and realize a strategic vision and complete other operational needs.
In her previous role she was instrumental in COVID-19 care and precautions for the Community Health Network- East region. Patrick placed a major focus on securing local, fresh ingredients from nearby agri-businesses and farmers to give the Community Hospital East guests, caregivers and patients the best food and nutrition possible. She also oversaw the budget and team of nearly 80 staff members.
