Weekend events will highlight programs, resources available to far eastside residents

Community events at the Community Alliance on the Far Eastside will address food access, transportation barriers, crime deterrence, employment, and youth opportunities.

Breaking Down Barriers & Building Opportunities for Far Eastside Residents begins Friday with a youth anti-gun violence and drug summit with Pathway Resource Center. On Sunday, Community Alliance on the Far Eastside (CAFE), 8902 East 38th St., will host a food giveaway, beginning at 3 p.m. for the first 100 residents.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson (D-14) represents the district. She said food access is a major problem in the area.

“We are one of the number one food deserts in our state, and in the country,” she said.

Other activities at CAFE will include cooking workshops, garden tours and healthy lifestyle promotions. Indygo and Pathway will also be there Sunday with information about transportation resources available to residents. Jackson said the city can do more to help the eastside by funding programs and partners already working in the community.

“You have those that are doing gardens, and programs and projects that can help sustain and bring projects together in a collaborative format that can help the community work inside out.”

Jackson said local initiatives around the community are what is important.

“So, anything to help reduce violence, anything that helps impact economics, disparities and food access, at the heart I think is what is important.”

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.