IndyGo and Growing Places Indy launched the sixth year of Food in Transit, a food access partnership that provides fresh, affordable, and locally-grown produce to transit riders at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center every Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. through the end of September.
“Each year, through IndyGo Cares, we work to increase rider access to essential resources that positively affect their health and well-being,” said IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans. “Food in Transit’s addition of cooking demonstrations, recipe cards, and free, prepackaged ingredients to make healthy, homemade meals is expanding the power of an already impactful program. We’re excited to welcome the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) as a new partner as we continue to expand our reach.”
As part of this initiative, Growing Places Indy will provide a farmstand with fresh, affordable and locally-grown produce every Friday from June through September. In a commitment to inclusivity, all produce will be free, allowing community members to access these healthy food options, regardless of economic status. However, donations will be accepted. The Food in Transit partnership is supported by a $15,000 federal Community Development Block Grant from the city of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. This season’s programming expands the city’s partnership by bringing community programming from the OPHS’s Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy. The produce and farmstand is provided by Growing Places Indy. Cooking demonstrations, recipes and free, prepackaged ingredients will be provided by OPHS’s food team.
“I firmly believe that food access is a fundamental right for every resident of our city. Our program goes beyond traditional approaches by meeting residents where they are on their day-to-day routes, ensuring that fresh produce is easily accessible to all. We have implemented a pay-what-you-can model to remove financial barriers and ensure that everyone can benefit,” said Mayor of Indianapolis Joe Hogsett. “This year, we have also prioritized education, recognizing that knowledge is a powerful tool in bridging the gap in food access challenges. A gracious thank you to our partners for equipping our residents with the necessary information and resources to empower them to make healthier choices and build a stronger, more resilient community.”
Food in Transit is one of three initiatives offered under the IndyGo Cares community outreach programming. Wellness in Transit provides free healthcare services, including rapid testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C and resources for mental health and housing instability. No health insurance or ID is required.
Music in Transit is an award-winning concert web series that showcases local artists from a wide range of genres performing on local transit, including music from this year’s newest partner, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Food in Transit runs every Friday through Sept. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. Cooking demonstrations and the distribution of bags of free, prepackaged ingredients to cook a healthy meal will take place on the third Friday of each month.
