The Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road celebrated its third birthday last month! On April 16, 2022, the Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road opened its doors to neighbors in southwest Columbus with the help of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. The no-cost fresh food market has since served over 350,000 families. In honor of Norton’s third anniversary, we’re looking back at three major milestones.
Volunteers Spread Joy with Toys
In fall 2022, market volunteers Don Maroli and Phil Smith began bringing donated stuffed animals for kids shopping with their families. It’s a tradition the pair have kept up. Every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. Don and Phil lay out stuffed animals, and children line up to pick out their favorite. News outlet 10TV picked up the story in May 2024, and community members have since donated many toys to Don and Phil’s efforts.
‘Resilient Mother’ Mural Pays Tribute to Norton Road Neighborhood
In September 2023, the “Resilient Mother” mural on the side of the market was unveiled with support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Amidst vibrant colors and fresh produce is artist Adam Hernandez’s mother: a Latina woman, a public health worker, and a mom of three. The mural is a symbol of the community in the surrounding Cherry Creek neighborhood, which is home to many residents from Latin America, Somalia, The Bahamas, and South Asia. “Resilient Mother” represents the ways that food and culture go hand in hand.
Congressman Mike Carey Visits the Market
U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) (below, right) visited the Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road in January 2024. Congressman Carey spoke to MOFC staff members and volunteers and took a tour of the Mid-Ohio Kitchen inside the market. He was impressed with the Mid-Ohio Market concept and helped secure $2 million in bipartisan federal funding for MOFC’s Eastland Prosperity Center, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
The Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without its donors, volunteers, and employees. Market Manager Denver Burkhart and Market Lead Josh Olden have seen the Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road grow into a community hub since 2022.
“There isn’t a foreseeable end to hunger, but that’s our mission,” said Denver. “In the meantime, we’ll continue to reduce the impact it has on our community.”
