Today's Forecast

89º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:19 a.m. | Sunset 9:06 p.m.

You can find a “free food” box outside of Irvington Vinyl & Books. | Photo by INDYtoday team

By now, you’ve probably seen those tiny, colorful, book-filled boxes posted up in a front yard or outside of a business around Indy.

We told you all about these little free libraries, and now we’re back to tell you about a new take on the “take something, leave something” boxes.

Did you know the Indianapolis metro area encompasses many food deserts? The term “food desert” refers to an area in the community where access to fresh + nutritious foods is significantly limited due to a lack of access to affordable grocery stores.

According to Indy Food Policy, 208,000 Indianapolis residents live in a food desert, and 10,500 live without access to a car or bus to reach grocery stores.

In response to this, there’s a growing movement of little free pantries aiming to help those who are experiencing food insecurity in the community.

Hoosier Elizabeth Friedland operates a couple of these little pantries, called “Central General Store.” The two little pantries located at 5151 Central Ave. and 2837 E. New York St. are inspired by Future Farmers of America and are there for people to pull from as needed.

Map of little free pantry locations around Indianapolis — There are at least 20 little free pantries around Indianapolis.
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Screenshot via Little Free Pantry

Central General Store stocks them with items including food + common household supplies and necessities such as hygiene and cleaning items, pet food, baby food, small toys, school supplies, and seasonal items like blankets, mittens, hats, and sunscreen.

In Fountain Square, you can find a free food fridge called the “Love Indy Fridge” on Shelby Street outside of Southeast Community Services.

Other mini pantries around Indy can be found online. Do you operate a little free pantry? Add it to the map.

Events

Wednesday, May 24

Zoopolis 500 presented by American Dairy Association Indiana | Wednesday, May 24 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $15-$32.75 | See why the Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing is such a beloved zoo event.

Thursday, May 25

Ella Mai - The Heart On My Sleeve Tour | Thursday, May 25 | 8 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $149-$225 | See the English R&B singer and songwriter known for hits like “Boo’d Up,” “Shot Clock,” and “Not Another Love Song.”

Friday, May 26

Miller Lite Carb Day | Friday, May 26 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis | $35-$40 | This high-octane party features some of the most exciting action on (and off) the track as the world revs its engines for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Saturday, May 27

Metazoa 500 Market | Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 28 | 12-6 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Co. Bottle Facility, 202 Miley Ave., Indianapolis | Free | This market will highlight 60+ local and regional vendors who specialize in vintage goods, handmade artisan crafts, and art.
Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC | Saturday, May 27 | 7 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $15-$75 | It’s Indy Eleven’s annual “Indy 500 Eve” match, which gives the first 500 fans a mini-checkered flag and an opportunity to shop Racing Indy merch.

Sunday, May 28

Rhythm & Brunch | Sunday, May 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The HC Tavern + Kitchen, 9707 District North Dr., Fishers | Rhythm & Brunch returns to The HC Tavern + Kitchen with DJ Cool Hand Lex, classic brunch favorites, and an interactive Bloody Mary Bar Cart or celebratory mimosa package.*

Monday, May 29

Indy Urban Acres Plant Sale | Monday, May 29 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Indy Urban Acres, 7700 E. 21st St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Buy your summer tomato plants at one of Indy Urban Acres’ biggest fundraisers of the year — proceeds support operating funds.

Events calendar here

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Finance

7 secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring a financial advisor

Smart retirees know a thing or two — and you should, too. | Photo by SmartAsset

Research suggests people who work with a financial advisor could end up with about 15% more money to spend in retirement.¹Read: A lot of margaritas.

That’s because they know the seven secrets to hiring a financial advisor, like never hiring the first advisor you meet. (Rookie mistake.)

The ultimate tip? Answer a few questions in this free, five-minute quiz to match with vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help optimize a retirement plan for you.*

5 more must-know secrets

1“Journal of Retirement Study Winter” (2020)”. The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of your future results. Please follow the link to see the methodologies employed in the Journal of Retirement study.

News Notes

Development

Kroger has submitted plans plans to build a new 120,000-sqft store that will go before the Fishers zoning board today. The grocery store would be on the northeast corner of Allisonville Road and 116th Street to replace its smaller store across the street. The plan includes a Starbucks, pharmacy, gas station, and 621 parking spots. (IndyStar)

Coming Soon

Locally-owned Pedego Indy is coming to the Bottleworks District at 850 Mass Ave., Ste. 125. The shop staffs experts in electric bikes + offers a variety of e-bikes, from cruisers to city to mountain and fat tires. It will also have rentals to take out on nearby trails.

Open

Dirty Dough is now open in Indy at Glendale Town Center (6159 N. Keystone Ave., Ste. 400). The company specializes in two- and three-layer cookies, including the “Brookie,” which is a chocolate chip cookie filled with fudge inside a brownie cookie topped with caramel.

Traffic

The first phase of the $44 million intersection reconstruction project is underway on Allisonville Road and 146th Street, with lane closures in both directions causing traffic back-ups. The project is expected to be finished in the summer of 2025. (IndyStar)

Announced

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced actor Adam Driver, most famously known for playing the role of Kylo Ren in the three most recent “Star Wars” films, will serve as the honorary starter by waving the green flag at the 107th running of the Indy 500 on Sunday. (FOX59)

Community

Write a letter to the future. Through Friday, June 30, Fishers residents have the chance to place letters inside a time capsule that will be placed inside the keystone of the new Fishers Arts & Municipal Complex set to open next year. The time capsule will be opened in 2073. (WRTV)

Sports

Stefan Wilson won’t be racing in the Indy 500 due to injuries suffered after a heavy crash involving Katherine Legge during practice. Cusick Motorsports announced Graham Rahal will replace Stefan in the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. (WTHR)

The Buy

Turn misplaced keys into a thing of the past with the Apple AirTag. The button-sized tracking device can give you step-by-step directions to your lost keys (or phone…or wallet…) and has a battery life of one year. Pro tip: Put one in your checked luggage and never worry about lost baggage again.*

Outdoors

🛶 Water you waiting for?

A group of people canoeing on the White River in Indianapolis

58 miles of the White River are undergoing one of the country’s largest river redevelopment plans to make it cleaner and more recreationally friendly. | Photo by @gkinast via Visit Indy

Want to get on the water this summer but don’t own a kayak, canoe, or paddle board?

Indy’s first paddle sports livery is now open on the White River after a decade of work to make the water clean enough for recreation.

Frank’s Paddlesports Livery Co. is located in the heart of Indy Parks’ Riverside Regional Park and nestled between the White River and White River Greenway. It’s offering a new amenity featuring kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals + float trips along the White River near downtown.

Visitors will have the opportunity to book a 7-mile, 4-mile trip, or by-the-hour experience.

Frank’s Livery is open Tuesday through Sunday. You can call 260-226-3075 to check availability + walk-ups are welcome. Learn more and book your trip down the White River.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole Hernandez

From the editor

This summer I’m looking to spend more time outdoors and try something new, so I’m excited to hear about Frank’s Livery offering rentals on the White River. If you want to try it too, keep in mind that the last booking time is 2:30 p.m. and trips take two to four hours — depending on how far you plan to go.

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