Community Health Network, Brandywine Creek Farms offer a healthy oasis in a food desert

For release on July 13, 2017

Pilot program brings nutritious, locally-grown food to east side communities starting July 7

Indianapolis—Families on the east side of Indianapolis will soon see a colorful new food truck in their neighborhoods. Community Health Network and Brandywine Creek Farms are partnering to address the limited access and lack of affordable and nutritious food in targeted areas in Marion County.

As a way to help address food insecurity, a mobile farm market, the Rolling Harvest Food Truck will deliver locally grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.

The pilot program will also include educational opportunities about growing and selecting nutritious food.

WalkScore.com has ranked Indianapolis last among major U.S. cities for access to healthy foods. Only 5 percent of residents live within a five-minute walk of a grocery store. The lack of access to healthy food especially on the east side has recently become more acute with the recent closing of the Marsh grocery stores at 21^st and Post Road and the Irvington Plaza.

Click the link to view Priscilla Keith, Executive Director of Community Benefit for Community Health Network talk about:

How food access impact health
The education element of the program in communities and schools
What makes this pilot program unique
How the pilot program will be evaluated

The Rolling Harvest Food Truck will make its first deliveries July 7.

Locations include:

Community Hospital East, 1500 N. Ritter Ave.
Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m.

CAFE, 8902 E 38^th St.
Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m.

Community Cupboard of Lawrence, 7101 Pendleton Pike
Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shepherd Community Center, 4107 E. Washington St.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon