The Citizen’s Food Assembly will bring together people most directly affected by food access challenges in order to create community controlled solutions. The Assembly will advocate for and support the implementation of new projects and replication of those solutions across Indianapolis.
After the Double 8 groceries closed residents came together to discuss what they could do about it. Out of this conversation the Community Controlled Food Initiative (food. kheprw.org) was born. The process for convening the assembly and supporting new projects will be modeled on intentionally creating these spaces. Additionally we believe the Assembly could be used to help continue the connections and support projects coming out of the CommunityINNOVATE Healthy Food Access Challenge.
The Assembly will be inclusive of all individuals, groups and organizations which seek to support the work, but the leadership and direction will be focused on a grassroots, from the ground up model for community agency.
Where are you at with the solution? Evaluating and researching solution
Why might this be a valuable solution for Indy? Many residents across our city face similar challenges with food access, especially given the recent closings of Marsh stores. There is a great need and opportunity to support projects that foster self-reliance and self-determination of our neighborhoods through the production and distribution of food. This will create the support for local communities to design and implement their own solutions to meet their own needs.
What resources, advice or support would be helpful for you in moving forward? Help with spreading the word, funding for the project that emerge from the Citizen’s Food Assembly, funds to provide training in facilitation and leadership.
Lead contact: Mimi Zakem
Email: [email protected]