A neighborhood-based food initiative!
Since its creation in 2017, the Neighborhood Food Champions program continues to support empowered community residents working to address food access in their neighborhoods. Each “Champion” receives comprehensive training and mentorship, to develop a sustainable community project, as well as a project award.
In Mayor Joe Hogsett 2019 State of the City address, he announced the City’s intent to fund this round of Neighborhood Food Champions. In July, the City-County Council approved funding for the program with bipartisan support. We encourage Marion County residents 16 years and older, looking for the opportunity to create a better local food system, to apply and join us!
What Champions Get!
Professional Development
$2,000 Award
Educational Workshops
Access to Organizations
What Champions will do
- Interest in the food issues of your community.
- Attendance at weekly 2-hour workshops for 10-11 weeks.
- An identified food-related project to work on developing.
- A proposal submission after 10-week program.
- A presentation to other Champions & community partners.
Applications are now closed, but look for the next round of applications next November!
For more information, call us at (317) 925-4231 ext. 265 or email us at info@cwuwonline.org
Food Champion Site Visits
At the end of the program, the directors visit the Food Champion’s project sites in order to learn more about their projects.
Indy Food Tour
Towards the end of the program, the Food Champions go on a ” food tour” around Marion County to visit different food projects from various sectors of the food system.
Indy Food Tour
This is an image that was taken at a for-profit garden in Marion county during the Indy Food Tour. The Food Champions were able to visit a total of seven different locations.
Food Champion Site Visits
This image was taken during a Food Champion site visit. The directors were able to take part in a demo cooking class in order to better understand the project.
Indy Food Tour
The group was able to learn a variety of different gardening techniques while visiting the different garden sites. The Food Champions are able to ask questions and engage with the gardeners and grocers during the tour.
Food Champion Site Visit
This image is a great representation of how the Food Champions are very innovative and creative with their projects. The site visits are for closing remarks.