Meters collect change for food pantry

Submitted by Moraine Township

The change collected at the two "parking" meters installed in downtown Highland Park will lead to positive change in the community's fight against food insecurity.

Spearheaded by Namrita Narula, a sophomore at Highland Park High School, all funds collected from the donation station meters will be used to purchase fresh produce for the Moraine Township Food Pantry.

"Food insecurity is a reality in our community," Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said, "and we were thrilled when Namrita came to the city council with the request to have the collection sculptures in downtown to provide additional funding for the food pantry."

The first installed meter, in the familiar shape and vibrant orange color of a carrot, was unveiled in November in Port Clinton Square. Designed by local artist Heather Lowery, the meter was created to be eye-catching to grab attention, while visually communicating the mission of the project.

A second meter was designed by Scott Okin and executed by local artist Marilee Cole and Namrita, to be installed near Michael's Restaurant in downtown Highland Park last December. The meter's art was designed to convey the same plentiful message with its light green base covered in images of colorful fresh fruits and hearty vegetables.

"I really appreciate all of the time and effort that Heather, Scott and Marilee dedicated to making my vision come to life," Namrita said, "and I look forward to continuing to work with Moraine Township to address food insecurity in this community."

As for Namrita's time and effort, she has dedicated more than 500 hours to "Seeds of Knowledge," the community service project she founded to help combat food insecurity in Highland Park and educate children about the importance of healthy eating through an engaged gardening experience.

During the summer she grew 93 pounds of fresh vegetables at the township garden, which was donated to the food pantry.

"We are inspired by the compassion and dedication of this young woman to help our neighbors going through difficult times," Moraine Township Supervisor Anne Flanigan Bassi said.

The "collection meter" idea germinated during Namrita's trip to Florida in August when she noticed a bright yellow parking meter with no cars in sight. When she investigated, she read that all of the change collected from the meter was going to be used to support the homeless in South Beach.

After her successful summer of growing food for the pantry, she had been looking for a way to continue to address food insecurity in her community, and the produce meters were born.

To learn more about Seeds of Knowledge or to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/seedsofknowledge.us.

For information, call Moraine Township at (847) 432-3240, email super@morainetownship.org or visit www.morainetownship.org.

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