ALL ABOUT

Growing The Block Project empowers Indianapolis communities in food deserts by helping them grow organic gardens in their backyards. Each block receives a strategic plan for suitable crops and cultivation techniques, and they can trade or sell their produce, promoting sustainable food systems.

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Growing The Block Project aims to educate young individuals about three crucial aspects of sustainable agriculture: local and organic food production, soil conservation, and water management. Through this initiative, the youth will learn about various career opportunities in agriculture, including roles as Agricultural Consultants, Sustainable Food System Coordinators, and Organic Farmers.

 

They’ll also acquire practical skills, such as using netting to protect crops from animals, implementing composting techniques to enhance soil fertility, and applying compost manure to improve water retention. By participating in these activities, scholars will understand how they can contribute to positive change in the field of agriculture.

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Indianapolis is faced with the issue of food deserts, ranking among the worst cities in the United States in this regard. The Growing The Block Project aims to address this problem by educating the youth and providing families with the necessary resources to access fresh produce. Initially implemented on two blocks, this fund will enable us to expand the project to 25 families, providing them with garden starter kits, learning practical skills, taking community field trips, and contributing towards positive change in our food desert.

Our organization played a role in the project by initiating the establishment of gardens at two sites in Indianapolis. Through this initiative, children had the opportunity to participate in planting seeds, tending to the plants, and witnessing their growth.

 

The initial garden is situated in an economically disadvantaged area. Donations and grants will be utilized to acquire the starter kits for the creation of an additional 25 backyard gardens. Funds will enable 25 children to join our organization's online community app, granting them access to instructional agriculture videos, virtual classes, and monthly gatherings for a discounted rate of $17 per month for a three-month period. The online community app offers a three-month learning program starting in December and ending in February, designed to help families learn how to germinate seeds indoors for spring planting after the harvest season.

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Our Program Objectives: 

 

1. Improve soil fertility and productivity by implementing methods and approaches that enhance the nutrient content and overall health of the soil. These may include utilizing organic fertilizers, employing cover cropping, techniques, and implementing integrated pest management strategies, ultimately leading to better plant growth and increased crop yields.

 

2. Each year, we'll Teach 25 young people water management and conservation, empowering them to make a difference by collecting rainwater, planting efficient gardens, and spreading awareness in their communities.

 

3. Encourage children to develop skills related to growing their own food, such as gardening and composting, promoting self-sufficiency and a connection to nature.