By Andi Anderson
In Indianapolis, the nonprofit urban farm Helpings of Hope is facing new challenges after recent federal funding cuts. Located at the First Baptist Church, the farm grows fresh vegetables, including African varieties, to support immigrant and low-income communities with affordable, healthy food.
Kitty Beckman, founder and executive director of Helpings of Hope, said the nonprofit started over a decade ago with just a few volunteers. It now operates two to four acres of farmland each year and has four full-time staff.
Their focus includes growing crops like African eggplant, sweet potato leaves, and a leafy vegetable called linga linga.
The group runs farm stands, supports community gardens, and offers cooking classes to promote food education. They also expanded operations this year by taking over the John Boner Community Center’s urban farm, creating more local access to culturally familiar foods.
Nana Bimba, a staff member originally from the Congo, said the farm’s produce is important for people who struggle to find or afford these items in stores. “We help people, low-income, they have low money, so we sell at that low price,” she said.
However, the group recently lost part of its funding due to federal cutbacks. The cuts affected United States Department of Agriculture programs that helped schools and food banks purchase from local farms. Over $1 billion in support was eliminated.
Beckman noted the lost funds previously helped local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) farmers with food subsidies, making fresh produce more accessible and keeping farming local.
Helpings of Hope remains committed to feeding Indianapolis through grassroots efforts. But the loss of USDA support creates uncertainty for many urban farms that rely on public funding to maintain operations and meet community needs. Despite this, the nonprofit continues its mission to grow, educate, and serve those most in need.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy