Indianapolis neighborhood to receive millions for food access

More food relief is coming to the northeast side of Indianapolis through a three-year, $2.45 million grant initiative that will establish a neighborhood food hub in one of the city’s many food deserts. 

The funding, provided by the Anthem Foundation and awarded through an advisory committee overseen by the Local Initiatives Support Coalition Indianapolis, will support increasing food access in the area between 46th and 30th Street that’s bordered by Fall Creek Parkway to the west and Shadeland Avenue to the east.

Eight community organizations competed for the grant, from the west side to the southeast side and other places throughout the county. The initiative, however, is meant to grow to additional neighborhoods as future funding is secured. 

“We are truly, truly thankful as a neighborhood that we are one step closer of having that (catalyst for) change, to see our neighborhood be food sufficient,” said Ashley Gurvitz, executive director of the United Northeast Community Development Corporation, at the announcement on Tuesday at the Avondale Meadows YMCA. “But if one’s hungry, we’re all hungry.”

The funding will build upon the community’s current food efforts, which include a locally owned grocery store — Indy Fresh — that will open alongside the Cook Medical manufacturing facility off 38th Street and North Sheridan Avenue. 

That includes the establishment of a neighborhood food hub that gives residents direction on where to sign up for federal food assistance. The hub would also feature a kitchen to provide demos.

The grant will also increase the number of UNEC staff dedicated to work on food security projects. UNEC also hopes to launch a mobile food delivery truck to provide locally grown foods to residents. 

The organization also hopes to expand nearby community gardens, such as the Elephant Gardens run by a local mother-daughter duo.

“Just imagine,” Gurvitz said, “the amazing potential of seeing change occur within our own backyard.”