Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Sharing our land: A great neighbor story

There's a lot being said these days about helping feed and empower those in need. There's the planting a row for the hungry campaign, for one. But what if you could do more?

What if all it took to get a family on their feet was a little bit of land?

Today's Indianapolis Star features a farm stand on Indy's south side that opened its doors - and its land - to Burmese refugees. Traditionally farming families, once arriving in a metropolitan area, they faced challenges in adjusting to a new life and way of making ends meet.

Waterman's Market, off of I-465 on the southeast side, is helping these families get a fresh start. Now the market, traditionally known for its berries, sweet corn and fall festival, will expand its offering to traditional Asian vegetables, including yard-long beans, winter melon and white eggplant.

"There's a call for that that isn't being met in our area," Lisa Waterman told The Star.

Not to mention, it's the right thing to do.

The market is also marking World Refugee Day this weekend with a festival featuring food, music, dance and storytelling from a variety of cultures. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call (317) 626-0520, or visit http://www.watermansfarmmarket.com.

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