Farmers’ markets, sustainability and urban gardening are growing in popularity because people are pursuing more healthy living options and their emerging support for local farmers.
Neighborhood produce stands are also environmentally friendly and reduce harmful emissions and unnecessary energy consumption.
Furthermore, farmers, gardeners and leaders provide opportunities for consumers to meet the source of their food. For those who want to be a part of this growing movement, below is a list of Indianapolis farmers’ markets and community gardens.
Original Farmers’ Market
Indianapolis City Market
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers and locals have united under the City Market roof for more than 150 years. Now through October, the market offers two open-air opportunities for shoppers to purchase local produce and the finest Indiana products ranging from meats, eggs, cheese and baked goods to fresh-cut flowers and plants. Shop the Wednesday Original Farmers’ Market 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and the newly added Saturday Original Farmers’ Market, which is open 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, visit www.indycm.com.
Stadium Village Farmers’ Market
This inaugural farmers market is open Tuesdays June 1 – Sept. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is located in the parking lot across from Shapiro’s Deli (801 S. Meridian St.) The market aims to attract heirloom and sustainable growers that bring the true Indiana flavor of local produce and local ranchers. For more information, visit www.stadiumvillagefarmersmarket.com.
Urban Farming
Growing Places, Slow Food Indy
Six thousand square feet of green space in White River State Park is now dedicated to Slow Food Indy’s new urban vegetable farm, Growing Places. The project aims to sustain and enhance the local food economy and Indianapolis community. The five garden beds, including potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, cabbage, onions, leeks, parsley and much more, are maintained by college interns and volunteers. Produce will be sold at the Indianapolis City Market Original Farmers’ Market and local restaurants. Additional produce will be donated to help feed homeless children in Indianapolis through School on Wheels. For more information, visit www.growingplacesindy.org.
Tasting Garden at R Bistro
Laura (Indy Winter Farmer’s Market and Growing Places) and Tyler Henderson (Big City Farms) tend R Bistro’s Tasting Garden located near the Mass Ave restaurant (888 Massachusetts Ave.) The garden produces everything from radishes, lettuce and peas to basil, mustard greens and fennel. It also supplies part of the restaurant’s needs and has sparked the interest of visitors. The garden includes compost from the restaurant and a rainwater system to reuse water.
Big City Farms
Eight vacant lots near the east side of Downtown Indianapolis have been converted into vegetable and fruit-producing gardens by the dedicated work of Big City Farms. In addition to providing produce to its members, the garden provides heirloom and specialty vegetables and fruits to local restaurants including City Café, Goose the Market, Meridian Restaurant & Bar and R Bistro. Big City Farms operates from June to October. Find out more about Big City Farms at www.bigcityfarmsindy.com.
