PAOLI– Paoli will soon provide greater access to fresh food if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $6,000 by May 10, 2025. If successful, the project led by the Orange County Food Trust will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“The creation of this mobile farm stand has tremendous upside for community members across the region,” said Matt Rayburn, Chief Real Estate Development Officer at IHCDA. “This is an excellent example of how the CreatINg Places program can galvanize unique placemaking projects, and we are thrilled to see this project come together through the community’s collective work.”
Funds from this campaign will create a mobile farm stand to increase food access in Paoli and nearby communities.
“The Farms to Friends Farm Stand will make it so much easier to bring farm-fresh produce to the people who need it most—not just here in Orange County but also Crawford and Lawrence counties,” said Janet Kennedy, Chair of the Orange County Food Trust. “Connecting local farmers to our communities ensures everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $12.5 million in crowdgranting funds and an additional $10.6 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local government units can apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
