Brownstone Midwest Supper Club, March 10, with Larry Howard of Maple Valley Farm

Reviving the Indiana Food Freedom Act and Building a National Patronage Network for Regenerative Agriculture

The future of America’s food system hinges on our ability to empower small farmers and defend the right of consumers to choose what they eat. Larry’s presentation will explore two revolutionary initiatives aimed at transforming the way we grow, distribute, and access food.

First, we’ll revisit the Indiana Food Freedom Act, a visionary piece of legislation that would protect Hoosiers’ right to obtain and contract for food without unnecessary government oversight. This law represents a bold stand against regulatory overreach, ensuring that farmers and consumers can engage in direct, informed transactions based on trust and transparency.

Next, Larry will introduce the Thriving Farms Initiative, a national effort to build a patronage network that directly supports regenerative farms. By providing cash gifts to farmers and their families, this initiative aims to catalyze the rapid growth of local, sustainable food systems. This bold approach not only accelerates the adoption of regenerative practices but also creates a model for community-supported agriculture that can be replicated nationwide.

About Larry Howard:

Larry Howard is a husband, homeschool dad, and lifelong advocate for food freedom and regenerative agriculture. With over 20 years of experience as a regenerative livestock farmer at Maple Valley Farm in Bloomington, Indiana he and his family raise cattle, sheep, pigs, meat chickens, laying hens, turkeys, and ducks, fostering a model of farming that prioritizes animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.

Larry has been a Weston A. Price chapter leader since 2005, advocating for raw milk and traditional foods, and has testified before legislators and debated with policymakers to protect Hoosiers’ right to access the foods of their choice. He drafted the Indiana Food Freedom Act, groundbreaking legislation to ensure informed individuals can freely contract with farmers and food producers without burdensome government regulation.

In 2012, he founded an innovative private ownership-based partnership that revitalized his family farm’s operations. His efforts have been highlighted in emergency trips to the statehouse with his children—who have written speeches en route—and in presentations to organizations like the Indiana Environmental Health Association.

Today, he is spearheading the Thriving Farms Initiative, a national patronage network designed to provide direct financial support to regenerative farms, fueling a grassroots revival of sustainable agriculture and food freedom across the country.

Venue & Details
Lennie’s is a beloved Bloomington institution known for its warm atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and craft beer selection. For over 30 years, Lennie’s has been bringing people together over delicious food and drink in a setting perfect for meaningful conversation.

Location & Parking
Lennie’s is located at 514 E. Kirkwood Ave in the heart of downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Street parking is available along Kirkwood Avenue and surrounding streets (metered until 9pm). There are several parking garages within walking distance.

Ticket Information
$50 per person includes a tasty buffet dinner and drinks.  Space is limited so secure your spot now!

Travel Information
Accommodations
Excellent hotels within walking distance of Lennie’s:

• Grant Street Inn – A historic charming local inn
• Graduate Bloomington – A boutique hotel celebrating Indiana University’s heritage

For more information contact Joni McGary at jonimcgary@me.com. Please include “supper club” in the subject line