Urban Farming!

 I heard first of urban farming back in 2010. I think it was a great idea. Now, it appears that it has come to Indianapolis, ‘A healthier lifestyle’: Eastside urban farms improve food access (MirrorIndy). 

The six chickens at home in an Avondale Meadows urban farm on the east side appear healthy and happy. Their pen is clean. They have food and water, and they often listen to rap music from a nearby smartphone.

They recently joined the nearly 7-acre farm as part of a Hovey Street Church of Christ initiative to improve food access and encourage healthier lifestyles. 

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The Soul Food Project began in 2017 with two sites: one in Martindale Brightwood at 25th and Sheldon streets, and another in Avondale Meadows. 

Eventually, the project needed more space. There is now a third site in Irvington near 10th Street and Arlington Avenue. 

The nonprofit’s mission expanded with its footprint.

Danielle Guerin, 34, is the project’s founder and executive director. She now teaches a youth program to spread her knowledge. 

Youth Grow Indy offers a six-week program in the summer that accepts teens ages 14 through 17. Guerin said they earn $11 per hour and gain experience in seeding, harvesting and more. They also handle the project’s weekly veggie boxes, which function like community-supported agriculture.  

Five years between New York and Indianapolis seems about right.

The article also includes how-to help or join these groups:

Both the Plant to Plate and the Soul Food projects have opportunities for people interested in urban farming. 

Guerin is currently accepting applications for Youth Grow Indy. 

Lowry said the Plant to Plate Project will be looking for volunteers to help at the farm in March or April. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Plant to Plate Project Facebook page.

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