The Community Health Network is looking to sprout new gardeners at its farm in Anderson.

The health group teamed up with Bloom Madison County — a nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity in the area. This growing season, they started two garden clubs — the Bloomers and the Seedlings.

The Bloomers club is made up of adults looking to pick up gardening. While the Seedlings club is oriented toward kids.

Bloom Madison Co-Director Anna Ulam says the goal is to make the hobby more approachable.

In a good growing year, the Community Farm in Anderson can produce nearly 30,000 pounds of food. It then uses that food in the Community Health kitchen and food pantries.

According to Community Health, Madison County frequently ranks in the top 15 of the most food-insecure counties in the Hoosier state.

The director of the Community Farm in Anderson, Mikkal Hodge, says the club plays right into the farm’s purpose.

“Our mission is to help people learn how to grow and use food,” Hodge said. “These two clubs are bringing people from the community to this farm, not only letting them see what we do and learn how to grow things, but they also get to learn how to take and eat and consume good produce.”

Since starting up, the clubs have 24 Garden beds producing fruits and veggies like radishes, bok choy, lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, and strawberries, among others.

The clubs are free to join. Both clubs meet every Wednesday — the Bloomers at 9:00 a.m. and the Seedlings at 5:30 p.m.

The Community Farm is located at 1701 Medical Arts Blvd, Anderson, IN.

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The All-Vegan Indianapolis Philly is a unique offering from Black Leaf Vegan, featuring a special mozzarella vegan sauce, onions, and peppers, providing a healthy yet filling option for fairgoers that is soy-free and gluten-free.

Owned by Derrick and Taria Slack, Black Leaf Vegan is a vendor at the State Fair that has received a Health First Indiana grant from the Marion County Health Department, totaling over $100,000, to support wellness programs and events. The grant will be used to fund cooking demonstrations and programs that promote health and wellness, feeding both the mind and body.

“We believe wellness is important,” Slack said. “The grant allows us to tackle the mind, body, and soul through our FOOD program.” The FOOD program stands for Finding Opportunities to Overcome Obstacles to Development, aiming to address wellness challenges in Indiana.

Black Leaf Vegan’s initiatives, supported by the grant, aim to enhance community wellness through innovative programs and events, fostering a space for healing and creativity.

The On the Mic with Evelyn Rai is one event that will be held at Café 335 West 9th Street. Check it out on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, for live music, poetry, and discussions on health. Evelyn Ray highlighted the importance of music and spoken word as healing tools, noting the vibrant artist community in Indianapolis.

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Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the return of its largest fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars, on Sept. 4 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

The event, sponsored by Community Health Network, features local professional dancers paired with Hamilton County celebrities competing for the title of Dancing with Our Stars Champions 2025. Audience members can vote for their favorite dancers to win the People’s Choice Award, with votes accepted both in-person and online.

Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County has been delivering over 200 nutritious meals daily since 1975, helping individuals live independently. The meals are prepared in state-approved healthcare facilities and tailored by registered dietitians to meet specific dietary needs.

The Dancing with Our Stars event is crucial for funding the organization’s mission to provide medically tailored meals to the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals facing food insecurities in Hamilton County.

Despite recent federal funding cuts affecting some national programs, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County remains financially stable due to limited reliance on federal funds and strong local support.

The event will feature professional dancers such as Rob Jenkins and Natasha Cox, alongside Hamilton County celebrities like Ashley Mandery and Erika Ross.

Tickets, donations, and votes for the event can be made at mealsonwheelshc.org, and further information is available by contacting Meals on Wheels at 317-776-7159.

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