The link between neighborhoods with large minority populations and the lack of access to healthy food has been well documented since the mid-1900s. With limited options, many residents resort to grabbing meals at fast-food chains or buying packaged goods from small corner shops.
Shelby Royster, health and wellness coordinator with the Indianapolis Urban League, and Alisha Madden, owner of local vegan-friendly food truck Vegesaurus, are working to combat the lack of access to healthy food by showing the community that there are other options available. They are currently in the process of organizing a Black Farmers Market, an event that aims to connect local farmers and urban gardeners with members of the community.
“(Indianapolis) is definitely having issues with food access, and it’s plaguing our communities. Our goal is to bring together urban farmers and gardeners and connect them with people in the community so that they can find fresh produce,” said Royster. “We plan to have about 10 urban gardens and farmers at the event, but as far as vendors go, we are expecting around 50.”
At the Black Farmers Market, produce bundles will be sold on a sliding scale reflective of the buyer’s income. ($25 full-price, $12 for low income and $6 for SNAP/WIC recipients). In addition to produce, the event will include live music from local artists DJ Stylistic, Constant L Burts, Harlem Indynois and more. Cooking demos, food samples and fitness workshops will also take place.
“With the food access issues in the city right now, there are so many urban gardens in those food deserts, so by connecting (the public) directly to a farmer that they can speak to, they are able to go out and buy produce from them even after the event,” said Royster. “We want them to think of unconventional ways to meet the needs their family has. Our hope is that we come together so we feel more of a sense of community.”
The organizers are looking for more vendors, food trucks and urban farmers to set up shop at the event. Interested individuals can register on Eventbrite for $30.
The Black Farmers Market takes place Saturday, July 29, from noon–3 p.m. at the Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Ave. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/theblackfarmersmarket to learn more.
