Community Celebrates Grand Opening of the Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop

MOFC’s 7-Acre ‘Smart Farm’ is Growing Hunger Solutions

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mid-Ohio Food Collective celebrated the grand opening of its seven-acre “smart farm” in Columbus’ Hilltop neighborhood Aug. 27. At a ceremony with government leaders, community advocates, corporate partners and local agriculture experts, MOFC introduced the urban farm that will serve as an educational hub and demonstration space for high-tech growing techniques.

“For years we have said that food banking alone can’t solve hunger,” said MOFC President and CEO Matt Habash. “We need to strengthen the local food system, grow healthy crops in less space and educate the next generation of urban growers. The Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop will do all three while serving as gathering place for the community.”

The farm’s grand opening ceremony featured remarks by Habash, U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), Columbus City Council Member Nick Bankston and other community leaders.

Located at 116 North Wheatland Ave., the farm features many innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient growing systems with harvests going directly into the region’s charitable food system. These include hundreds of outdoor vertical growing towers; a greenhouse with advanced hydroponics; an LED-powered, year-round mobile growing system housed in a repurposed shipping container; water-efficient, above-ground planter systems; an automated FarmBot growing system; and more.

In addition to the high-tech agriculture methods on display, the farm also boasts community meeting space and a demonstration kitchen. MOFC plans to host volunteers, tour groups, and school groups in future growing seasons. Education is a core focus of the space, Habash said.

“Tackling hunger takes a strong, sustainable food system that is rooted in our communities,” Habash said. “That’s why Mid- Ohio Food Collective is boosting access to fresh, locally grown produce and investing in the Hilltop. The farm will be a place to learn and grow together.”

The Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop site was formerly part of the grounds of Ohio’s first state psychiatric hospital. The property was leased to MOFC by the City of Columbus, transforming a vacant brownfield lot into a community hub for health and learning. Development was aided by a $4.5 million federal Community Development Block Grant via the City of Columbus as well as funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, local corporations, foundations and individual donors.

The space is now open for group tours and volunteer shifts by appointment. Sign up to volunteer, schedule a tour, donate or learn how the Mid-Ohio Farm program is making every acre count at mofc.org/farm.

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About Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is the largest hunger relief organization in central and eastern Ohio. Through our five assets (the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Farmacy, Mid-Ohio Kitchen, and Mid-Ohio Market), MOFC addresses the root causes of hunger while working with more than 600 partner agencies in 20 counties to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry Ohioans every year. Learn how we’re co-creating hunger-free, healthier communities at www.mofc.org.