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There is an abundance of venues to buy and sell locally produced food and drink in Downtown Indianapolis. The benefits of buying local are huge -- not only are you consuming fresher goods, but your dollars are kept within the local economy. Farmers' markets, local restaurants and many special events make it easy to stay involved in the Downtown farm-to-table movement.
The Original Farmers’ Market at Indianapolis City Market
Farmers and locals have united under the City Market roof for more than 150 years. Now, every Wednesday from May 1 – October 30, the market offers open-air opportunities for shoppers to purchase local produce and the finest Indiana products like maple syrup, morel mushrooms and fresh-cut flowers. Shop the Original Farmers’ Market from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. along Market Street in front of Indianapolis City Market. Don’t forget the mouth-watering food to be found inside City Market’s walls. www.indycm.com
Stadium Village Farmers’ Market
TAKING 2013 OFF; WILL REOPEN 2014! Held Tuesdays mid-May through September from 4 – 7 p.m. in the parking lot across from Shapiro’s Deli (801 S. Meridian.), the Stadium Village Farmers’ Market aims to attract heirloom and sustainable growers that bring the true Indiana flavor of local produce and local ranchers. This year’s market uses a different theme each week and features vendors like U-Relish, Circle City Sweets, South Circle Farm and more! www.facebook.com/StadiumVillageMarket
Indy Winter Farmers' Market (IWFM) at Indianapolis City Market
Get your farm fix in the off-season. Started in 2008, the Indy Winter Farmers’ Market was created to provide Downtown residents with a direct source of local produce and goods during the winter months. Visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to buffalo meat. Market hours run Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. November – April, with the exception of Christmas Eve and New Years' Eve. www.indywinterfarmersmarket.org
Garden on the Go
Indiana University Health's Garden on the Go was created in an effort to improve access to affordable and healthy fruits and vegetables in Central Indiana food deserts (regions with little access to fresh produce). The year-round “market on wheels” stops at five Downtown locations including the John J. Barton Annex, Indiana Avenue Apartments and Lugar Tower Apartments. Produce comes from local and regional sources and features a variety of fruits and vegetables. http://iuhealth.org/garden-on-the-go/
Big City Farms
Eight vacant lots near the east side of Downtown Indianapolis have been converted into vegetable and fruit-producing gardens by the dedicated work of Matthew Jose and Tyler Henderson of Big City Farms. In addition to providing produce to its members, the garden provides heirloom and specialty vegetables and fruits to local restaurants. Twenty-two week shares are available from mid-May to mid-October. www.bigcityfarmsindy.com/
Indy Food Co–Op/Pogue’s Run Grocer
This is a community-owned market located at 2828 E. 10th St., just east of Downtown. The grocery, which opened in December 2010, strives to offer shoppers local, fresh and organic produce and products at affordable prices. The founders believed Downtown Indianapolis needed a healthier, yet affordable grocery option and set out for the task in 2007. Pogue’s Run Grocer offers everything from pet products and bulk items to in-season produce. www.indyfoodcoop.org
Don’t feel like cooking but still want fresh and local ingredients? Visit one of the following IDI member restaurants that prepare meals using local ingredients.
120 West Market (Hilton) www.indianapolis.hilton.com
Cerulean www.ceruleanrestaurant.com/indianapolis
Hoaglin To Go hoaglincatering.com/hoaglin-to-go/hoaglin-to-go-and-marketplace
La Margarita www.lamargaritaindy.com
R bistro www.rbistro.com
Indianapolis City Market Vendors:
Indiana Artisan Marketplace
More than 100 artisans from Indiana and an additional 50+ artisans from Kentucky showcased art and food selected as being among the best in Indiana and Kentucky by Indiana Artisan and Kentucky Crafted food and art jury panels. The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and foods directly from the artisans who make it. The next marketplace takes place March 29 and 30, 2014. The event takes place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. http://indianaartisan.org/
Dig-IN
On Aug. 25, 2013 Indiana growers made their way to White River State Park to showcase their high-quality, locally-produced products and remind Hoosiers there is much more than corn in Indiana. Dig-IN featured educational discussion panels, cooking demonstrations, urban gardening exhibits, wine tastings, beer and food pairing classes and more. Stay tuned for information on next years' gathering. www.digindiana.org
Food Con III
Attend an “unconventional convention” exploring the intersection of art and food in Indiana at The Harrison Center for the Arts. Coinciding with IDADA's First Friday, Food Con III will feature art exhibitions, hands-on activities and of course, deliciouis food. Dates TBD. http://butlerfoodcon.com
Food Coalition of Central Indiana Monthly Local Food Potlucks
Monthly potlucks organized by the Food Coalition of Central Indiana aim to encourage the consumption of local food by the general public, create a space where people can share and educate each other about where to find local food and how to cook with the seasons and connect the local food movement with other environmental themes, for example the local biking community. Locations and dates vary. Visit their site for more information: www.indyfoodfarmfamily.org/eatlocalchallenge.html
 
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