A New Source Of Produce For A Food Insecure Community

A food insecure community on the northwest side of Indianapolis has a new source for fresh produce. An acre of farmland officially opened Thursday at Eskenazi Health Center Pecar.

The farm is operated in partnership with Indy Urban Acres. Farm manager Tyler Gough says all of the food grown at the site will directly stock the Crooked Creek Food Pantry also located at the Eskenazi site.

“This is a really unique project because we have the Pecar Health Center and there’s a food pantry right inside. It kind of is a culmination of all of these things that are trying to get people healthy,” Gough says.

Ana Marcos, a volunteer and shopper at the food pantry says she is thankful.

“I think all the shoppers are really, really happy," Marcos says. "Everything here, it feeds my family. It’s just nice to have some help.” 

Gough says Indy Urban Acres’ biggest goal is to consider innovative ways to end hunger and provide healthy food choices. Obesity and diabetes rates are epidemic in the Hoosier state, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.  

Chief physician executive Dr. Deeana Reinoso says she feels immense joy to know she can better meet the needs of her patients and the greater community.

“Some families haven’t even had food in a couple of days and I’m seeing their baby isn’t growing well. They don’t have a thyroid problem or a metabolic problem. They don’t have food in their pantry,” Reinoso says.

The farm’s first crop will be ready to harvest and serve the community in a month and will be productive through October.