Indy Urban Acres Farm
In March 2011, the Indianapolis Parks Foundation received a $150,000 grant from Indiana University Health that has helped IPF begin Indy Urban Acres Farm, a unique partnership between IPF and Gleaners Food Bank.
The organic farm is located on eight acres on the city's Eastside, east of Shadeland Avenue, between I-70 and 21st Street. The state had used the land as a staging ground for I-70 construction work, then donated it to Indy Parks in 2007.
The Parks Foundation hired a farm manager, Tyler Gough, in June. Tyler will plan, plant and cultivate the land, with the help of volunteers. The produce the farm yields will be donated directly to Gleaners, who will in turn distribute it to a number of food pantries in Marion County.
The first crop is expected in fall 2011.
"Our community faces serious hunger challenges," says Cindy Porteous, IPF executive director. "We are encouraged by the work of organizations like IU Health and Gleaners, and are pleased to be a part of their community efforts to end hunger and educate people about healthy living."
IU Health believes the donation will help fight diabetes and obesity by providing more fresh food to food pantries. Gleaners works in partnership with food pantries and other organizations who "act on the belief that nobody should ever go to bed hungry."
The grant funds cover the hiring of the farm's manager and other start-up expenses. To sustain the farm, the Parks Foundation will need ongoing funding sources.
To find out more, call (317) 860-3252. To make a donation, click here.
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