About Helpings of Hope
At Helpings of Hope, we believe that food unites us to our heritage, our families, and our broader community. While food is one of our most basic needs, many people in Indianapolis struggle to access affordable, nutritious food.
To help solve this problem, we provide fresh produce, educational resources, and opportunities for families to build economic security. We also celebrate our community’s collective work to preserve their cultural heritage and strengthen community ties.
Nestled on a 2-acre urban farm in the vibrant Nora neighborhood, we serve families from all over the world, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Karenni communities, China, South America, and beyond. Inspired by our community’s melting pot of cultures, we proudly call ourselves the United Nations of Farms.
Our Why
In Indianapolis, 1 in 5 people face food insecurity. Over 200,000 residents live in food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods—and more than 10% live below the poverty line. For immigrant and refugee families, the challenge is even greater. Many lack access to the foods that are central to their cultural identity, creating a barrier to connection. We believe that growing food together is a powerful remedy, a way to nourish our neighbors and build strong relationships.
Our Mission
We empower people living in food deserts by providing sustainable food sources, educational resources, and spaces to grow produce tied to their heritage.
Our Vision
We envision an Indianapolis where everyone has access to affordable, culturally meaningful food, the tools to nourish their families, and a thriving connection to their community and the land.
Our Impact
Helpings of Hope feeds hundreds of community members each year and supports over 40 gardeners from 9 countries in growing fresh produce for food pantries and local families living in food deserts. We’re breaking down barriers to food access, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Our Farm & Community Gardens
Urban Farm
Our 2-acre farm grows a wide variety of produce, including lenga-lenga, African eggplant, managu, pumpkin leaf, sweet potato leaf, okra, collards, and tomatoes—many of which are culturally significant to our gardeners.
Donation Garden
100% of the produce from this garden goes to local food pantries, helping to fight food insecurity in our community.
Satellite Farm
With a site manager on the east side of Indianapolis, we’re expanding our reach to serve even more neighborhoods.
Weekly Farm Stands
We operate two stationary farm stands, including one at the farm, and are working toward launching a mobile farm stand at the Nora Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library by summer 2025.
Community Partnerships
We sell produce to international African, Hispanic, and Asian grocery stores, giving immigrants, refugees, and their families greater access to their native foods.
Education
Cooking Matters
In partnership with Share Our Strength, we offer free cooking and nutrition classes for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Participants learn essential skills and take home ingredients to practice what they’ve learned.
We’re expanding our educational offerings to include classes on nutrition and growing your own food. Join our newsletter to stay updated on when these courses are announced.
Sustainability Commitment
Economic Sustainability
We provide fresh, affordable produce to families in food deserts and help gardeners grow and sell culturally specific crops.
Environmental Sustainability
We cultivate a resilient ecosystem through sustainable farming practices.
Social Sustainability
We unite people across cultures, using food as a universal language to build understanding and connection.
Biological Sustainability
We empower communities through education, teaching them to grow and cook nourishing food for themselves and their families.
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