INDIANAPOLIS — It's one of the oldest trades in the country, and an Indianapolis organization is looking to train and teach the next generation.
Growing Places Indy is relaunching its summer youth apprenticeship program called Young Grow Getters. The paid program is for high school students who will get hands-on farming experience while learning all aspects of farming.
Between 2015-2019, Marion County gained 12 low-income neighborhoods with limited food access, and the county is still recovering. Growing Places Indy hopes to decrease that percentage and strengthen the local food system by providing resources.
"The near east side is one of the largest food deserts in the city ... on average, we have over 200,000 folks in Indianapolis that are food insecure — meaning they don't have a stable place where they are going to have access to food on a regular basis," Victoria Beaty, Growing Places Indy Executive Director, said. "With COVID and inflation currently, there is a lot of people still struggling."
In addition to learning how to farm, there will be field trips and lessons about all aspects of urban farming. Beaty says she realizes having a high school program won't solve the issue of food access but believes having young people understand the role everyone plays in food access can supplement some of the barriers.
"We are really looking for young kids who are eager to learn about the food system, who want to get their hands dirty, who want to be a leader and learn something new," Beaty said. "The best part is they get paid for their labor on the farm."
Growing Places Indy is looking for ten students. Applications are open now and will close on April 30. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided.
-
How Duke Energy crews keep the power on during extreme cold in Hendricks County
With extreme cold settling into central Indiana, Duke Energy is reminding customers to prepare for potential power outages and to know where to turn if they need help staying warm.
Indiana Crime Guns Task Force seizes hundreds of illegal guns, narcotics in 2025
This year, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force says they've made significant progress in their goal of reducing violent crime, seizing hundreds of illegal guns and narcotics across the state
How authentic German culture made Carmel's Christkindmarkt #1 yet again
For the fifth time in its eight-year history, the Christkindlmarkt was named by USA Today as the top Holiday Market in the United States.
Indy volleyball coach in viral video charged after allegedly sexting a minor
Indianapolis volleyball coach Levi Garrett, who was confronted by YouTuber JiDion in a viral video, has been charged after allegedly sending explicit images to a minor.
