In June 2020, the Northeast Corridor community of Indianapolis achieved a milestone that would help reshape the lives of its residents. United by a shared mission to address systemic inequities in food access, this predominantly Black neighborhood of 36,000 residents banded together to write a successful grant proposal for $2.4 million, spearheaded by United Northeast Community Development Corporation (UNEC). Made possible through a catalytic infusion of funds to the tune of $2.45 million from Elevance Health Foundation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Indianapolis launched the Equitable Food Access Initiative (EFAI) with a goal of improving nutritious food access and help build a more equitable food system.
The stakes were high. With nearly half of area residents earning less than $25,000 annually and over one-third living below the poverty line, food insecurity was an urgent crisis. Data from 2021 revealed that more than half of residents lacked access to nutritious food, disproportionately affecting Black residents who already bore the brunt of poverty and systemic inequities. Addressing these disparities required a community-led approach, and the EFAI Steering Committee, comprised of neighborhood residents and local leaders, rose to the challenge.
The result was transformational. Over $1.1 million in grants was awarded to nine food-related organizations within the Northeast Corridor, with goals to improve food access, enhance food security, strengthen the local food economy, and promote health. The initiative prioritized expanding urban farming spaces, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaborations among local stakeholders. Beyond physical investments, it sparked educational programs for youth and adults, emphasizing sustainable food practices, and created job opportunities, including a groundbreaking farm apprenticeship program. Home delivery services expanded distribution capacity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable residents could access fresh, nutritious food.
The work didn’t stop there. Recognizing the power of collaboration, LISC Indianapolis launched the Food Justice Collaboration, a coalition of 40 individuals and 24 organizations representing eight EFAI communities across Indianapolis. Meeting monthly, the collaboration builds relationships, advocates for policy changes, shares best practices, and leverages collective resources to create a sustainable food system. Together, these communities are forging a path toward food security for all.
LISC's Equitable Food Access Initiative has made significant strides in enhancing food security and community well-being in Indianapolis. By expanding local food production through infrastructure improvements and the development of growing spaces, the initiative has increased the availability of fresh produce in underserved neighborhoods. Enhanced communication pathways have streamlined the dissemination of food resources, ensuring residents are well-informed about available services. The initiative has fostered improved collaborations among local stakeholders, strengthening the community's capacity to address food insecurity collectively. Job opportunities and workforce development programs, including a paid farm apprenticeship program, have been established, providing residents with valuable skills and employment in the agricultural sector. Educational programs for youth and adults on sustainable food practices have been launched, promoting long-term healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the initiative has increased food distribution capacity, including the implementation of home delivery services, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those most in need.
Building on EFAI’s success, LISC Indianapolis secured $300,000 in funding to expand its Vacant Lot Acquisition Fund, enabling minority urban farmers to transform unused spaces into productive agricultural land. Farmers gain the opportunity to lease and eventually purchase these lots, while LISC supports site preparation and infrastructure needs. Additional investments of $1.5 million in ARPA funds have been secured to map the city’s food ecosystem and place community food builders in underserved neighborhoods, further solidifying the program's legacy.
This initiative represents more than funding and infrastructure; it exemplifies the power of community-led solutions. From addressing immediate food insecurity to laying the groundwork for sustainable systems, the Northeast Corridor and its partners have redefined what’s possible when residents and organizations come together with a shared purpose. As the fruits of these efforts continue to grow, this neighborhood initiative stands as a shining example of resilience, collaboration, and the belief that equitable access to food is not just a necessity but a right.