Central Indiana lays claim to many notable titles: We stage the greatest single-day racing event in the world, we’re home to the largest children’s museum and we host more amateur sporting events than anyone else. But here’s another reason to be proud of our state: Central Indiana is home to the largest non-profit farm in the United States—Brandywine Creek Farms.
Five years ago, local farmers Jonathan and Amanda Lawler realized a need to address the growing problem of hunger and food insecurity in our community. Not far from their farm in Greenfield, the Lawlers became aware of food-desert conditions on the Eastside of Indianapolis, where grocery stores are scarce and people lack access to fresh, nutritious food. To tackle these issues, the Lawlers decided to turn their farm into a non-profit organization, distributing fresh, healthy produce through local food pantries to our community’s neighbors in need.
From its 113 acres, Brandywine Creek Farms (BCF) has since raised and donated 3.7 million pounds of produce to more than 134,000 food insecure residents in Central Indiana. The organization partners with other local farmers to also offer high-protein foods like eggs, beef and chicken. BCF boasts a staff of 15 and relies on volunteers from the community to help with harvesting and delivering to those in need.
In late 2019, the Lawlers took the next step in their mission by opening the Healthy Harvest Market at Brookside, a 5,700 square foot retail space located in the former Pogue’s Run Grocer building on East 10th Street. Open seven days a week, shoppers can find locally grown produce, buy affordable groceries or order a freshly prepared sandwich from the store’s café. The store is thoughtfully designed to encourage community engagement, enjoyed in the store’s light-filled dining area.
Healthy Harvest Market at Brookside, 2828 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN
BCF’s CEO and Founder Jonathan Lawler, known as “The Punk Rock Farmer” on Facebook, channels his rebellious nature into commitment to his community. “We never set out to try to fix the food system, because in my opinion, it’s not really broken,” Lawler stated in a 2019 interview.* “There’s just some access issues. Through agriculture and logistics, we can fix that.” Lawler is an expert on agriculture, supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and frequently shares his experiences through public speaking engagements.
In addition to growing and distributing produce, the Lawlers are providing work opportunities for ex-offenders who seek employment after incarceration. In addition, Brandywine Creek Farms offers educational opportunities and mentoring for at-risk youth living in Indy’s Eastside neighborhoods.
Here’s how you can help:
- Make a donation to support the ongoing work at Brandywine Creek Farms.
- Volunteer to help with BCF’s harvest. Whether you’re an accomplished gardener or a city slicker, there’s a volunteer opportunity available for you!
- Follow Brandywine Creek Farms and Jonathan Lawler on social media and share news from the farm with your followers.
*“Ag-chievements: Hancock County farmer’s anti-hunger crusade getting national attention”, Greenfield Daily Reporter, December 5, 2019