Farms: Indy Urban Acres features educational space, community garden

City's Unique Urban Farm Supplying Fresh Produce to Food Banks INDIANAPOLIS -- The City of Indianapolis today announced the launch of Indy Urban Acres, a partnership between Indy Parks & Recreation, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis Parks Foundation and Gleaners Food Bank to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to people with limited food resources. Located east of 21st Street and Shadeland Avenue, the eight-acre organic farm will share its produce with Gleaners and other food pantries. "Our transformation of this undeveloped property into an urban farm will provide healthy food to residents who do not have access to fresh produce and help in the fight against obesity, diabetes and hunger," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "Urban gardens and farms turn unused land into a positive and active space while growing healthy food for people to eat, teach individuals of all ages new skills, and help promote community involvement by actively engaging neighbors to work together toward a common purpose." The farm is expected to yield thousands of pounds of organic fruit and vegetables per acre to Gleaners. The site, a former gravel pit and construction site, is ripe with tomatoes, green beans, squash and other produce. A portion of the space will be designated as a community garden where residents can grow and harvest their own produce, while another part will serve as an educational area for students. IU Health joined this partnership as one prong of its comprehensive strategy to combat obesity among low-income populations. "The high cost of produce or lack of stores selling fresh fruits and vegetables prevents some of our most vulnerable residents from getting these nutritious foods," said Ron Stiver, senior vice president of Engagement and Public Affairs, IU Health. "As a result, IU Health hospitals witness the poor health effects that result from high-calorie and high-fat alternatives Hoosiers find at their convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. Indy Urban Acres will help bridge this gap by offering healthy produce to Hoosiers in need." Gleaners Food Bank will make scheduled pick-ups at Indy Urban Acres and then distribute the food to hunger relief agencies in 21 central and southeastern counties. "This resource, which is in our own backyard, has the ability to get healthy foods into the hands that need them the most. Last fiscal year, Gleaners Food Bank was able to distribute over 19 million meals," said Cindy Hubert, Gleaners President and CEO. Indy Urban Acres is part of Mayor Ballard's commitment to eliminating "food deserts" in Indianapolis by creating more urban farms and gardens through engaging individuals and organizations in growing healthy food at the community and neighborhood level.