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A Food Charter for the City of Indianapolis

- Whereas the City of Indianapolis supports “the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger,” as stated in the United
Nations Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights, and envisions our community one day free from hunger; and
- Whereas food is central to the economy of Indianapolis, and the commitment to food security can strengthen the food
sector’s growth and development; and
- Whereas our globalized food economy affords us great variety, it also fosters food insecurity for both our Indianapolis
citizens and impoverished cultures around the world; and
- Whereas our local food producers can provide a similar variety while fostering food security; and
- Whereas Marion county is the largest in this region and state and the 52nd largest nationwide (out of 3,141);and
- Whereas over one quarter of Indianapolis households have a yearly income of less than $25,000; and
- Whereas citizens in our society who are denied quality food are denied the ability to participate fully in society.



Now, therefore, be it resolved by the community (the mayor and city council) of the city of Indianapolis, that to promote food security, we will encourage and facilitate:

1. practical nutrition education programs that promote healthy eating, food shopping, budgeting, gardening and cooking skills, thus enhancing our community’s knowledge of purchasing, handling, preparing, consuming and storing of naturally nutritious, affordable and safe local food;

2. the healthy practice of breastfeeding;

3. conditions that ensure that each child of our community has access to nutritious food that enables effective learning and lifelong health;

4. access to programs by seniors that support health and independence;

5. the preservation of our local agricultural resources and a reliable, economical, clean water source;

6. the creation of infrastructure to support income generating ventures in urban gardening and farming and large-scale local food sourcing, including distribution facilities, agricultural supply centers, and preparation and storage facilities;

7. municipal agreements that promote responsible re-use of the city’s waste and water as well as a sustainable local economy, generating adequate incomes for all;

8. the role of community farmers markets and urban gardens in increasing access to local, fresh fruits and vegetables in neighborhoods, thus increasing food security citywide;

9. local purchasing among major employers, our city institutions and community organizations in order to provide an affordable range of healthy local food choices within their facilities;

10. events which emphasize the city’s distinctive multi-cultural food customs and bring together rural and urban people.

Community based responses:

1. Real food security for all citizens requires good information and practical skills. Food is more than a commodity. It is a basic right. Many of the skills required for good food and nutrition practices in our urban settings have not been passed down from previous generations, thus leaving our citizens vulnerable to food shortages in these inflationary times.

2. Breastfeeding provides reduced instance of disease and the best possible nutrition for infants at almost no cost. Breastfeeding benefits women’s health by lowering the risk of many diseases, such as breast and cervical cancer.

3. Realizing this goal will require: appropriate nutrition for expectant mothers that support unborn children; community and inter-generational cooking programs that create awareness of the need for balanced eating, and the skills needed to implement said knowledge; partnering with public schools to improve food quality, promote school gardens and local purchasing; and creating an awareness of the need for consuming enough water.

4. Seniors health and independence in the community depends on their access to sufficient and nutritious food. Programs focused on senior needs will improve quality of life for seniors and so reduce community costs.

5. As a community we must place value on the components of food security which include (but aren’t limited to) arable land, pollinators, bio-waste, farmers, clean water, and biodiversity.

6. Both the urban and rural economy can be supported by cooperative ventures between food distribution or food retail operations and food producers. Frequently the capacity to grow, process and store food until needed is greater in an area already equipped for agriculture. However, in Indianapolis this is not yet the case, thus food related economic opportunities abound.

7. Potential programs could encompass the redirecting of bio-waste to local composting facilities, used cooking oil to local bio-diesel plants, and implementing the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, composting toilets and grey water re-use systems.

8. In a convenience driven society, easy access to local food producers through multiple retail outlets such as farmer’s markets, Indy Food Cooperative, Basic Roots Community Foods, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) and other local food distribution operations creates a connection to our food which fosters healthy eating habits. Knowing your farmer is the ultimate food security.

9. As the largest and most visible consumers these organizations should set an example of economic responsibility to local businesses and the health of the citizenry of Indianapolis.

10. Unfamiliar cultures are easily accessed and appreciated through their food customs, while local food sourcing emphasizes the many close ties between the urban and surrounding rural cultures. Connections made are a source of great benefit to all, and cause for community celebration.