Coalition seeks community input on food system solutions

A series of conversations are underway for Indianapolis residents to engage in food system solutions with the new Indianapolis Community Food Access Coalition.

The coalition replaced the Indy Food Council and these “call-out” sessions are meant to find ways to improve food access and security across the system.  Milele Kennedy was named the first director of the city’s new Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy last year. She said there is a need to lift up the existing food network.

“We need to have more cross collaboration and we also need to do a much better job of conveying the information of what our agencies all do so well,” Kennedy said.

The meetings are meant to engage community members and help to better understand food access needs and how to improve.  Stakeholders participating in the last conversation recognized that people using the food assistance network often have other needs. 

Cori Chatterton with Purdue Extension said food giving has been consistent but other social gaps come into play.

“The transportation piece is still a huge, huge barrier,” Chatterton said.

Organizers urge more residents with personal stories to join the meetings.

Two more sessions are planned this week on Wednesday, Jan. 19 and Friday, Jan. 21. Both are offered virtually.