INDIANAPOLIS — The John Boner Neighborhood Centers has selected Helpings of Hope Farms to be the urban farm provider at Boner Fitness & Learning Center, 727 N. Oriental Ave. The Boner Fitness & Learning Center is located on the Arsenal Tech campus, and was a part of the revitalization project attached to the 2012 Super Bowl. The National Football League donated $1 million toward the creation of a Youth Education Town. The community raised an additional $10 million. The building opened on February 7, 2012
Helpings of Hope Farms is dedicated to eliminating hunger and food waste while creating food security through community-driven projects that provide affordable, nutritious food for people in food deserts. Established on a two-acre urban farm in the Nora neighborhood, the organization provides fresh produce to families from all over the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, South America, and many more. They also have a donation garden and farm stands. Helpings of Hope also partners with Share Our Strength to offer free cooking and nutrition classes for people experiencing food insecurity.
The Boner Fitness & Learning Center is their first Satellite Farm. The Farm will have 39 raised beds, a large greenhouse and a walk-in cooler. Helpings of Hope Farms will grow tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables based on what the community wants. Community Garden plots will be available for neighbors to grow vegetables at no charge.
If you are interested in volunteering or a community garden plot, please contact Executive Director Kitty Beckman at Kathryn.beckman@helpingsofhopeindy.org or 317-402-3111.