Best Urban Gardens In Indianapolis Near Me

4worldlovers:
Indy Urban Acres is an initiative of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis. When you support The Parks Alliance, you are directly supporting the operations and work of this multi-disciplinary farm system, working to disrupt Indy’s food system.


In 2011, this left-behind land, used as staging for I-70 made an inspiring transformation. From unused parkland to a symbol of hope, The Parks Alliance collaborated with the City of Indianapolis, and the Department of Indy Parks and Rec to establish, Indy Urban Acres, an urban garden meant to harvest and distribute food throughout our community.

Since then, Indy Urban Acres has grown from a single site harvesting 15,000 pounds of produce to four sites harvesting 60,000+ pounds of produce. All IUA produce is donated and distributed to community partners that serve households and individuals who experience food insecurity throughout the year. IUA has year-round professional farm staff who use regenerative farming practices to grow healthy food while improving the soil and local urban ecosystem. The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis provides administrative, financial, and fundraising support for IUA, enabling farm staff to focus on food education, empowerment, and access.


Previously known as the Veggie Box Outreach Program, the Farm Share Program was introduced to create an empowering, equitable food support model that allows Indy Urban Acres to partner with Indy Parks and Rec Family Centers, businesses, and organizations to continue the collective work towards eliminating hunger in Indianapolis.

In 2022, we partnered with key organizations to distribute 12,000 + pounds of organic, local produce to nearly 250 families for 10 weeks. In 2023, partners can expect a new program model that provides a 3-pronged approach to delivering – and breaking down barriers – for partners and residents to gain access to fresh, local produce.


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INDY URBAN ACRES FARM SHARE PROGRAM BY READING THE FAQ HERE.

We are committed to stewarding equitable access to an abundance of locally grown, free produce for people experiencing food insecurity. We place a priority on empowering people experiencing food insecurity by providing access to free produce. We will continue to drive equitable partnerships and funding to cultivate a vibrant farm system that benefits all. We cannot do this work without you.

Our team spends a lot of creative energy building events and programs so that you can get involved and support Indy Urban Acres. We hope you’ll join us by participating in any of the below opportunities.

Indy Urban Acres exists due to grants and individual contributors like you! A donation of $350 feeds one family through the Farm Share Program, please consider making a contribution today. Click here to donate.

Throughout the year The Parks Alliance team hosts several key fundraising events at and for Indy Urban Acres. Follow our events calendar here to learn more – or save the dates below:

New in 2023, we are excited to launch a comprehensive volunteer group – The Harvest Team – that will help us to achieve our goals to harvest 60,000+ pounds of produce this year. This seasonal, volunteer role includes a commitment of 6 hours/week during harvest season at Indy Urban Acres. Please submit your interest form here.

Note: There are limited spots on the Harvest Team, so while not everyone will be invited to join this year, we will keep you updated on other volunteer needs at Indy Urban Acres. Thank you for your understanding.

We welcome individual and corporate sponsor groups to volunteer at Indy Urban Acres between May-September.

4worldlovers: Our 7.6 acre youth farm is located on 46th Street, just east of Post Road. We use a cooperative business model to empower young people with knowledge and skills to grow food as a foundation to build a sustainable community. Students work together to operate the farm and farm stand with a mission to serve the neighborhood with affordable access to organic produce and donations to pantries for those who are food insecure. We offer a safe space for all people, where healing can take place while connecting to the earth.

In December 2016, LCG met with Monarch Beverage to propose using their unused land to grow food for the nearby pantries. Monarch was excited to partner with us and immediately stepped up to help us get going. Our Founder lives just a few blocks away from the property and remembers when they built the center. She also remembers when it use to be farm land. It seemed that our missions to promote community and environmental sustainability aligned perfectly with their desire to give back to the community. In 2022, Lawrence Community Gardens became part of the Kheprw Institute, a long term home to support and grow our work.

Many hands make light work! We are always looking for new friends and are willing to exchange labor for produce!


We are committed to growing food for community and growing opportunity to sustain the garden through youth entrepreneurship.

If you are a community organization or pantry you can request donations below.

If you are a restaurant, grocer or other organization who wants to purchase food in bulk click below.

4worldlovers: A certified member of the INLA committed to ethically serving the Indiana Green Industry.

Attracting pollinators includes the best plants for the pollinators you want to attract while providing for their other needs as well.

4worldlovers: Garcia’s Gardens is a small but mighty farm providing healthy food to central Indiana. We grow a variety of fresh produce using organic methods. Come join the local food system.

Please keep minimum order amount to $10 or more. This helps keep the cost of the website down and ultimately the cost of produce.