Legacy Foundation and the City of Gary have awarded a combined $85,000 to the Gary Food Collective Co-op, a community-driven initiative led by Family Life Community Center. This program aims to tackle food insecurity, promote economic growth, and empower Gary residents by expanding cooperative food programs throughout the city.
The funding, provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at Legacy Foundation and the City of Gary’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, will help equip individuals with the skills needed to launch and sustain their own food co-ops successfully. This initiative also ensures residents have greater access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.
“Access to healthy, affordable food for our residents is a fundamental quality of life issue,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “I’m proud to support the Gary Food Collective Co-op initiative. This program shows we can collaboratively address food insecurity while also providing education and entrepreneurship opportunities that benefit our community.”
Founded in 1992, Legacy Foundation serves as the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. Over the years, it has awarded more than $50 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals. With $100 million in managed assets, the foundation provides strategic leadership and philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunities for all communities. Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing food insecurity.
“We are honored to collaborate with Family Life Community Center to address food insecurity across the City of Gary while empowering residents through economic development,” Anoe said. “I am excited to see the growth of the Gary Food Collective Co-op and the positive impact it will continue having on the city!”
The Family Life Community Center, which spearheads the Gary Food Collective Co-op, has fed nearly 8,000 people over the past three months. Initially sourcing food primarily from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the Co-op has now expanded its partnerships to include local Meijer and Target locations, further increasing access to fresh and nutritious food.
LaJuan Clemons, founder of Family Life Community Center, noted that the new funding marks a major step forward for the initiative.
“Receiving these grants is a monumental step forward for the Gary Food Collective,” Clemons said. “This funding allows us to expand our co-op program, making fresh, nutritious food more accessible while fostering workforce development and community empowerment. Inspired by the legacy of Gary native Jacob Reddix and the Consumer Cooperative Trading Company, we aim to create a modern network of co-ops that reflects the same spirit of resilience and innovation. This is about more than just food; it’s about building a sustainable, self-reliant community that thrives together.”
Food cooperatives have long been recognized for their role in not only providing access to healthier food options but also creating local jobs and fostering economic resilience. The Gary Food Collective Co-op program seeks to replicate this success by training individuals to own and operate their own co-ops, ensuring that food security and economic stability go hand in hand.
The City of Gary, known for its industrial and musical heritage, remains dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life through transparent governance and strategic community investments. With a commitment to sustainable urban development, the city continues to support programs like the Gary Food Collective Co-op that align with its mission of fostering a vibrant and self-sufficient community.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a social investment organization, supports democracy through funding in journalism, free expression, arts and culture, and the success of American cities. The Knight Foundation Fund at Legacy Foundation played a crucial role in financing the Gary Food Collective Co-op initiative.
To learn more about the Gary Food Collective Co-op program and Family Life Community Center, contact LaJuan Clemons at 219-240-6557 or via email at [email protected].