No, Food Chain is a mana ability. Mana abilites are defined mainly in it doesn't have a target, it could put mana into a player's mana pool when it resolves, and it's not a loyalty ability. (See rule 606, "Loyalty Abilities.")
An example of something that isnt a mana ability, is Deathrite Shaman's 1st ability as it targets something.
I had a judge in training tell me that even though Food Chain produced mana, it was not a true "mana ability" because it is a sacrifice effect targeting a creature.
A spell or ability only targets if it uses the word 'target' (or is an aura on the stack). The Chain's ability does not target the creature that is sacrificed. Since it's an activated ability that could produce mana when it resolves, it does not target, and is not a loyalty ability, it is a mana ability and cannot be stopped by the Needle.
Private Mod Note
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DCI Level 2 Judge
Scientists have calculated that the chance of anything so patently absurd actually existing are millions to one. But magicians have calculated that million-to-one chances crop up nine times out of ten.
thanks.
Azusa - Derevi - Glissa - Mizzix - Sharuum - Wanderer - Wort
An example of something that isnt a mana ability, is Deathrite Shaman's 1st ability as it targets something.
540 Peasant cube- Gold EditionSomething Spicy..
Azusa - Derevi - Glissa - Mizzix - Sharuum - Wanderer - Wort
Scientists have calculated that the chance of anything so patently absurd actually existing are millions to one. But magicians have calculated that million-to-one chances crop up nine times out of ten.
Azusa - Derevi - Glissa - Mizzix - Sharuum - Wanderer - Wort