IndyGo, the City of Indianapolis and Growing Places Indy Launch Food in Transit

A Partnership to Provide Fresh Produce to Indy’s Transit Community

INDIANAPOLIS — Today, IndyGo, the City of Indianapolis and Growing Places Indy announced their seventh consecutive partnership for Food in Transit. Over the next 15 weeks, Indianapolis residents will have expanded access to fresh, healthy and locally-grown produce. Food in Transit occurs every Thursday from June 13 to September 29, between 2 – 5 p.m., at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, located at 201 E. Washington St. On the second and fourth Thursday of the month, there will be engaging cooking demonstrations, free, prepackaged items, fresh produce, and healthy recipes aimed at inspiring healthy eating habits

“Food in Transit amplifies our mission of connecting our community to economic opportunities through safe, reliable and accessible transit, helping us to meet our riders’ critical needs beyond the bus,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “This innovative partnership means riders can access fresh, locally-grown produce at the Transit Center during their regular commute without having to plan a separate trip, saving them time and resources.”

The City of Indianapolis has committed $75,000 in Community Development Block Grants over the past five years to support Growing Places Indy’s work on Food in Transit ($15,000/ year) — $96,300 in total since 2017. Since its initial launch, Food in Transit has been committed to addressing food accessibility challenges facing underserved communities.

“We are excited to join forces with IndyGo to bring fresh produce to transit riders,” expressed Program Manager for the Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy for the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) Tikilia Tinker-Martin. “This initiative is not just about us, it’s about the entire community. Access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of a healthier Indianapolis, and this initiative is a crucial step in that direction.”

In addition to cooking demonstrations, recipes, and free, prepackaged ingredients provided by OPHS’ Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy, community partner Growing Places Indy will unveil a new bike-powered farmstand with fresh, affordable, and locally-grown produce.

“To date, Indy DMD has contributed $96,300 in CBDG funds to Food in Transit,” emphasized Megan Vukusich, DMD Director. “These dollars are vital in supporting initiatives that address pressing community needs like increasing access to essential resources and fresh produce.”

In a commitment to inclusivity, all produce is free, allowing all community members to access these healthy food options, regardless of economic status. However, donations will be accepted. Interested parties can use IndyGo’s online trip planner here to plan event day trips to the Carson Transit Center.

Please see below for photos and b-roll from the event.

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