The Urban Farm at Southeast Ohio Regional Kitchen
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Abstract
The Urban Farm at Southeast Ohio Regional Kitchen provides a stream of fresh locally grown produce available to Hocking County senior citizens using Senior Farmer's Market vouchers through the Ohio Area Agency on Aging. Extension developed a plan, partnered with local sponsors, and constructed an urban farm on land behind the local food bank. Vegetables and herbs are grown using bio-intensive production techniques, harvested and delivered based on menu choices and seasonality.
Description
IMPACT. 1: The Urban Farm provides Hocking County's only fresh stream of local seasonable produce to improve nutrition in Meals on Wheels, senior food insecurity and the USDA Summer Food Service Program. -- 2. Certification as a farm was completed with one week left in the 2016 voucher season. One week's sales of $125 showed promise for program success going forward. -- 3. True sustainability is our goal. Voucher and business sales are providing a consistent income stream to allow farming without the need for yearly grant funding.
OSU PARTNERS: OSU Extension, Hocking County, Agriculture and Natural Resources
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: HAPCAP - Hocking, Athens, Perry Community Action Partners; The Southeast Ohio Regional Kitchen; The Ohio Area Agency on Aging; Scenic Hills Senior Center, Logan, Ohio; Hocking County Commissioners; Hocking Valley Community Hospital; City of Logan, Ohio; Athens Hocking Recycling; Center LLC; Webb's Perennials LLC; Mike's Lumber LLC
PRIMARY CONTACT: Timothy McDermott (mcdermott.15@osu.edu)