Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City nutrition division seeks volunteers, renews LIFT grocery rides and local-produce program
Summary
The city—s Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy asked neighborhood partners for volunteer help to sustain outreach events, pointed to a $1 grocery LIFT pilot and a local-produce distribution program, and promoted an upcoming Second Chance job and resource fair.
Tequila Martin, community data coordinator for the Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy (City of Indianapolis, Office of Public Health and Safety), told the HOPE Team that reduced federal ARPA funding left the division with a smaller operating budget and a need for volunteers to sustain community food events.
"In order for us to continue to put these events on, we need people to volunteer," Martin said, asking attendees to complete an interest form (QR codes were shared at the meeting) and to sign up for the division—s newsletter.
Martin described several programs and resource opportunities:
- LIFT program: a grocery benefit pilot that allows enrolled residents to purchase groceries for $1 per trip (up to $6 value); Martin said the program started in April and provides up to four rides a month and that enrollment is required. She urged neighborhood partners to sign eligible residents because the program has capped funds.
- Local growers/produce distribution: Martin said the city will procure produce from local growers and distribute it to communities from June through September and that she had five community slots remaining for produce distribution partners.
- Volunteer recruitment and event support: Martin said the division can share a calendar of outreach events and that community groups could be listed as volunteers to help run pop-up food and resource tables.
Martin also announced that the city is partnering with reentry programs on a Second Chance job and resource fair in April at Martin University and said program details are on Eventbrite.
