The Elkhart Local Food Alliance is made up of community members and supported by local organizations grounded in the neighborhoods of South Central Elkhart. We seek to cultivate community and create food security through a variety of interactive programs. We can create food security by having greater control over and knowledge about where and how our food is grown, particularly by using space in our own neighborhoods to grow food for ourselves and our neighbors. Food security also means creating access to nutritious food and education about good food choices in all neighborhoods. We are committed to empowering ourselves and our neighbors to do just that, by seeking out and creating thriving, local, sustainable food systems and culture. In our diverse community, food and food cultivation can bring us together for vibrant sharing and collaboration. ELFA is committed to creating educational programs and neighborhood gardening spaces which will strengthen our health, economy, environment and community. At the root of our work is a commitment to partnering with existing organisations and neighbors who have experience in working with food systems and who carry a similar vision for strong, healthy neighborhoods.

In the spring of 2009, ELFA members worked with a local farmer on the outskirts of Elkhart to plant several acres in vegetables. These vegetables were sold at a local farm stand and farmer’s market, were donated to local food banks and churches, were shared with neighbors, and were used in food-preserving workshops. ELFA’s plans for this coming growing season are shifting focus, moving towards an emphasis on participatory gardening, directly within our neighborhoods. Over the next several weeks, we will begin preparing the soil in 3 neighborhood gardening plots, readying for planting this spring. This shift towards an urban focus not only gives us greater opportunity to include more neighbors, but also allows us to run regular educational programs for children and youth, and workshop series for adults, while also facilitating more cooperation with other organisations in Elkhart.