Hilltop Site Slated for Urban Farming
Urban Farms of Central Ohio, LLC., a subsidiary of
Mid-Ohio Foodbank, plans to lease five acres of vacant land on the Hilltop from
the city’s Land Bank to create a second urban farm. Their first
urban farm is located in Marion-Franklin. The group will transform the Hilltop
site into a productive farm that will provide low-income residents access to
fresh, local produce.
Mayor Michael B. Coleman is asking City Council to
approve legislation for a five-year, $100 per-year lease for the group.
“I salute Mid-Ohio Foodbank for continuing to build upon
urban farms in our neighborhoods that provide our residents with increased
access to healthy foods,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “This initiative not
only helps us build healthier communities, but it also allows our residents to
engage in the process.”
The farm will be located on North Wheatland Avenue off of
West Broad Street. The expectation is to begin preparing the land this spring
and commence the farming activities by early summer. The Wheatland urban
farm will grow squash, beans, and other crops this year on approximately
one-half acre of land. Future expansion plans include maximizing the volume of production
space, installing a farm stand, and hosting civic engagement activities and
training programs, onsite, at the urban farm. The goal is to
co-create opportunities for all residents to thrive and grow healthier
communities from the ground up. In addition to providing fresh foods to the
community directly surrounding the farm, each farm also works to sustain itself
by selling a portion of crops to local Columbus restaurants.
“Urban gardens have a powerful impact on our
neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Development
and Environment Committees. “They transform unused spaces by
bringing healthy and nutritious food options into areas where they are needed
most.”
“Partnerships with local neighbors to grow fresh food presents
a dual opportunity toward creating a healthier, hunger-free community,” said
Matt Habash, president & CEO, Mid-Ohio Foodbank. “It allows our
hungry neighbors to be part of a community that grows nutrient-dense food for
themselves, while at the same time, revitalizing areas that otherwise may
remain vacant.”
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