IndyGo Forms Partnership to Address Food Insecurities

(stock image courtesy: Pexels.com/DXT91)

IndyGo is partnering with the Westside Community Development Corp. to address food insecurities on the near west side of Indianapolis. IndyGo says the partnership is an opportunity for the community to learn gardening skills and increase the amount of fresh food in the area.

According to the organization, many residents from neighboring communities have suffered from access to food during the global pandemic.

“At IndyGo, it’s critical to be involved with our community, especially those on the Westside that are facing challenges with accessing food,” said Inez Evans, president of IndyGo. “Our mission at IndyGo is to provide safe, reliable and accessible transportation to those in the Indianapolis community. This partnership aligns perfectly with our why. We’re thrilled to see how this partnership will unfold and how this community can better access fresh food within their neighborhood.”

Volunteers from IndyGo and Westside Community Development Corp. will relocate the near west community garden at IndyGo’s new Mobility Care Center.

“IndyGo has been a great partner and support in this process,” said Ben Rose, Communications Director of Westside Community Development Corporation. “Even before purchasing the property, IndyGo reached out to see how they could continue to potentially offer space for the gardens. With IndyGo’s support and upgrade to the physical space, we’ve been able to focus more on community outreach.”

The Near West Community Gardens was founded last year with a grant from the Neighborhood Food Champions program and financial support from the Westside CDC and land donation from Kinney Group. NWCG says it utilizes around 20 volunteers and raised more than 200 pounds of food, including pumpkins, kale, and tomatoes.