On the Far Eastside of Indianapolis, partnerships don’t just happen—they grow. Long before Common Ground at Faith took shape, a quiet, powerful collaboration had already been cultivating healthier families and stronger neighborhoods. It’s a story that begins in the soil behind a church, expands through years of shared mission, and continues today as one of the driving forces behind a more connected, compassionate community.
Where the Relationship Began: Growing Food and Trust
For years, Indy Urban Acres has operated its main farm directly behind the current home of Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry. From that land, farmers and volunteers have grown thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each season—food intentionally planted, harvested, and delivered to pantry families who deserve healthy choices and dignity in their shopping experience.
Every summer, the rows of tomatoes, peppers, squash, greens, and herbs moved from the fields into the hands of pantry shoppers. These weren’t just donations; they were part of a shared vision: that ZIP code should never dictate health, that every family deserves fresh food, and that neighbors thrive when they’re supported by neighbors.
The relationship between Indy Urban Acres and Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry formed naturally, built on proximity, shared values, and a mutual understanding of what food security really requires: access, reliability, and relationships.
Faith Land, Shared Purpose
Just down the street, Faith United Methodist Church served the same community—meeting spiritual needs, tending to families, and offering connection. Like Old Bethel, the congregation at Faith UMC believed deeply in service. They saw Indy Urban Acres’ growing impact and wanted to help.
So Faith UMC offered what they had: land.
Behind the former Faith United Methodist Church building sat additional acres suitable for farming. Indy Urban Acres expanded operations there, turning more of the Far Eastside’s soil into a source of nourishment and hope. Those fields strengthened the pipeline of fresh produce to Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry and allowed Indy Urban Acres to deepen its commitment to the neighborhood.
This wasn’t two organizations working in parallel—it was a community ecosystem forming in real time.
A Merger That Opened New Possibilities
In 2023, Old Bethel United Methodist Church and Faith United Methodist Church formally merged. Faith UMC brought its people, legacy, and property—including the farmable land Indy Urban Acres was now cultivating. But it also brought something else: a building ready for a new purpose.
That building—now the future home of Common Ground at Faith—is becoming a centralized hub where families can access fresh food, health resources, and supportive services all under one roof. What began as two churches joining for strength and sustainability opened the door to a larger, community-wide transformation.
And at the center of it, once again, is Indy Urban Acres.
Indy Urban Acres: A Key Partner in the Common Ground at Faith Vision
Today, Indy Urban Acres stands as a foundational partner in the growth of Common Ground at Faith, just as it has long been a partner to Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry.
Their farms remain steps away from our doors. Their commitment to fresh, nutritious food continues to feed thousands of families each year. Their team is deeply embedded in the daily operations and long-term planning of how we meet the needs of our neighbors.
And soon, with Common Ground at Faith’s expanded facility, we will be able to:
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Increase storage and refrigeration for fresh produce
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Offer more frequent and flexible access to healthy food
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Host nutrition and cooking education
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Integrate food access with health, workforce, and family support services
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Welcome more neighbors to participate in volunteer farming and service opportunities
This next chapter isn’t possible without the groundwork laid by the longstanding relationship between Indy Urban Acres, Old Bethel & Partners Food Pantry, and the churches that rooted this mission in the Far Eastside.
Growing Together, For Good
The story of Common Ground at Faith is still being written, but its roots run deep—planted by pastors and volunteers, tended by farmers and families, nourished by land and love.
Indy Urban Acres has always been more than a farm. It’s a partner, a neighbor, and now, a core part of the vision that’s transforming the former Faith UMC building into a beacon of hope and access.
Together, we’re not just meeting needs—we’re cultivating community.
And together, we will continue to grow.