Catching Up with From the Ground Up

In May of 2023 with funding through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, LISC Indianapolis granted $1.1 in total funding to nine food-related community organizations in the Northeast Corridor of Indianapolis through the Equitable Food Access Initiative. The funds were to be used to address food access, improve food security, strengthen the local food economy and improve the health of residents.

One year later we’re catching up with our grantees to see how these funds were used and the impact made in their communities. Last year From the Ground Up received $148,000 to support the Plant to Plate Project farm operations, financial and business operations support, farm maintenance, and educational programming. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, the organization increases education opportunities in urban farming by partnering with local schools and organizations to build the food industry talent pipeline. The organization directly impacts the local food economy by increasing talent and workforce development and production distribution.

“The mission of From the Ground Up is to increase food access, security, and sovereignty. We strive to increase access to healthy food, while empowering the community to make healthy food choices, grow their own food and encourage self-sufficiency. We also seek to provide education opportunities to learn about herbalism, trauma-informed nutrition, and the mental health benefits of gardening,” said Autumn Lowry, owner of From the Ground Up.

How did you utilize LISC’s Equitable Food Access Initiative grant funds to address these challenges?

“We utilized our EFAI funds to expand our farm, purchase equipment and supplies including a zero-turn mower so we can maintain our grounds. We purchased a farm truck that enables us to pick up and distribute large amounts of produce. We purchased a shipping container to secure our equipment. We also provided financial partnership support to our collaborators to enhance their food access goals. We hired labor at a living wage to assist with expanding the farm. We hired workers who have barriers to employment and provide them with resources and support,” said Lowry.

In addition, the organization hosted educational workshops related to trauma-informed nutrition, herbalism, and mental health in the garden with partner, In Touch Outreach, which provides additional resources to workers with barriers including disability, mental health, and housing. Ma’at Urban Agriculture and Industry played a big role in helping From the Ground Up plan the garden space, build raised beds, and provide sustainability workshops.

“We created a community food box which has organically become a place where people take or donate food as well as books, clothing, and other support items. We purchased software to increase our evaluation tools and increase awareness with social media marketing, as well as hired an accountant to assist with our bookkeeping and financial reporting,” said Lowry.

"We also supported Hovey Street Church of Christ, who graciously gave us a space to grow. We host their Evolve Boy's summer camp, and they did an amazing job helping us expand last year. We look forward to working with the Girls In Training (G.I.T) girls' camp this year as well."

How do you measure the impact of the grant on improving food access in your community? What impacts has this grant made on the community? 

“We track the amount of produce distributed, event attendance and demographics. We are hopeful that our new software will provide a better evaluation tool as we grow. This grant has provided us with the necessary tools, equipment, and labor to increase the amount of produce we can grow. The grant has also created opportunities to connect with other farms and organizations for additional guidance and support,’ said Lowry.

In the first year of full production, From the Ground Up distributed approximately 700 lbs. of food, serving the surrounding apartment complexes and neighbors with fresh produce.

“The grant from LISC Indianapolis has helped to build community as we’ve grown because neighbors and organizations have started to take notice of and interest of our growth,” said Lowry.

What is on the horizon for your organization? What upcoming events or programs would you like to share?

“We are beginning to look at USDA/Federal grants to sustain our operational and expansion needs. We plan to grow our partnership with Faith, Hope, Love to distribute our meal kits to more areas of the city through their DoorDash program. Through a partnership with DIP-IN and Heath Landscaping, we will be adding a walking trail around the perimeter of the IPS School 11 property, as well as a wellness and meditation labyrinth which will include native plants, flowers, and herbs,” said Lowry.

“We are also exploring the possibility of partnering with Southeastern Church Of Christ to develop 3-4 acres of unused land that they would like to use for growing food for the communities we serve. We plan to develop a land bank property inherited from UNEC to add another small community garden. We were awarded an INRC neighborhood grant to support this new location. Also, we will be resuming our workshops in partnership with In Touch Outreach, now that it’s warmer outside. We hope to build our value-added products and begin the process of participating in farmer’s markets and vendor events,” said Lowry.

From the Ground Up is a grantee of the Equitable Food Access Initiative, a LISC Indianapolis program that implements evidence-based strategies with the goal of increasing equitable food access and food security efforts in Indianapolis.