Tag: basic needs

Growing for Giving

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

Hope and Help on Indy’s Near Eastside

You don’t have to travel far from Monument Circle to find one of our city’s most active and vibrant community centers: Westminster Neighborhood Services. Located at the corner of New York and Keystone, Westminster has been providing support for children and families on the Near Eastside for over 38 years.

Without a doubt, neighbors within Westminster’s service area face a multitude of challenges: 36% of households live at or below poverty levels, with 21% surviving on an annual income of $10,000 or less. Additionally, this part of Indianapolis is a known food desert, making it especially difficult for families and seniors to access affordable and nutritious food.

Smack-dab in the middle of all this is Westminster Neighborhood Services, offering programs to some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. From after-school programs for kids to a thriving food pantry for families and seniors, Westminster serves as an oasis of hope and help for neighbors in need.

When it comes to nonprofit organizations like Westminster, which is admittedly smaller than other agencies in Indianapolis, size is a factor. “We may be small, but we’re making a big impact,” said Executive Director Chrissy Petersen. “Because we’re smaller, we have the ability to build relationships with our neighbors and go the extra mile to really help them tear down obstacles and make changes in their lives.”

She’s right about that: there’s certainly nothing small about Westminster’s outcomes. In 2019, the staff distributed more than 300,000 pounds of food from its food pantry to 7,300+ neighbors. Additionally, Westminster offers after-school and summer programs for 40-45 children, providing academic enrichment, field trips and daily meals.

The impact of these and several more programs is the driving force for Peterson and the agency’s staff and volunteers. “Lives are being changed through the work at Westminster. If we can help our families break down the obstacles of oppression and generational poverty, the kids in those families have a better chance of breaking the cycle.”

Here’s how you can help:

  • Get to know Westminster Neighborhood Services and spread the word to build awareness. Visit their website (www.westmin.org) and follow WNS on Twitter (@westmin) and Facebook (@WestminsterNeighborhoodServices).
  • Volunteer to pack and distribute food in the food pantry. Click here to submit volunteer application.
  • Donate to fund Westminster’s ongoing programs. Click here to donate.

Do you know a nonprofit organization that’s doing great things in our community? Let’s talk.