A food project as unique as Madison.
MCGP is a project of Madison Youth Unlimited, a nonprofit 501(c)3 that is dedicated to improving quality of life for Madison, IN, area youth and their families.
Our journey started with an idea: to create a nonprofit grocery in downtown Madison’s food desert. Over two years of study, we learned what’s possible when a community comes together to meet its own food needs, and we were inspired by the thriving local food systems we researched across the country. We learned that grocery stores are one piece of a much larger food equity puzzle, and we saw how communities thrive when farmers, food, and local consumers are connected around the table.
Over time, we have shifted our energy more broadly toward the issues affecting food access, food systems, and food security in the Madison/Jefferson County area. Our mission has grown in scope and ambition: to build an equitable and sustainable local food system that grows community through education and access to delicious, nutritious food.
As we grow, we are committed to serving Madison and Jefferson County with food-centered, community-oriented programs like these:
- R&D for a student-run farm stop concept, which inspired the Growing Minds Farm Stop, operated and managed entirely by MCHS students and opening in summer 2025!
- Community fundraising to sponsor a 25% discount for low-income farm stop shoppers
- Community sharing gardens that are accessible and free for residents throughout the county
- School teaching gardens to get kids involved in the production and preparation of fresh food
- Cooking and nutrition classes for youth, low-income residents, people facing diet-related health concerns, etc.
- Community kitchen events that build community around the table
- Local grower support in the form of marketing, networking, and continuing education
- R&D and concept modeling for a potential Jefferson County food hub to bring local food to more area markets like K-12 schools, college campuses, restaurants, and more
It takes a community of support to bring these projects from idea to reality, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to support and grow with us! If you want to get involved in our work, fill out our volunteer interest form so we can connect you with opportunities to serve.
Follow our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with our progress!