Food in Transit returns for eighth summer, offering free produce

The Food in Transit program started back up in Indianapolis last week for its eighth consecutive year.

The program, a partnership between IndyGo and the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, is offering free, fresh produce throughout the summer. This year produce will be provided by the Kheprw Institute, a local nonprofit.

“We don't ask for any donations — it's just free and accessible to anyone who is in need of fresh produce,” said Kayla Bledsoe, outreach coordinator for IndyGo.

Last year the program served over 1,500 residents. Bledsoe said they can typically serve 80 people each time the event takes place. This year, produce will be available every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 4 p.m. at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center.

The Food in Transit program is funded by $7,500 in federal funding from OPHS and contributions from Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. While OPHS has been affected by funding cuts, Bledsoe said the program has adapted. IndyGo is now taking over staffing responsibilities, which was previously handled by OPHS.

“Because of budget cuts to public health, the OPHS office, we're providing additional support by actually staffing it this year,” Bledsoe said. “We have transit ambassadors who are paid stipend volunteers who receive a monthly stipend and a free monthly bus pass.”

As of 2021, the Indianapolis metro area had the fourth highest share of residents living in food deserts, with nearly one-quarter of the population living over a half mile from the nearest grocery store, according to data from USDA.

Additionally, an estimated one-quarter of Marion County residents are food insecure, and nearly 80% of households reported using food assistance of some kind, according to the Indy Hunger Network.

In a statement, Cheria Caldwell, administrator of the Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy at OPHS, said the program helps remove barriers. “Food in Transit is a key example of how partnerships rooted in equity and accessibility can directly impact the well-being of our neighbors.”