The Community Growers’ Network is an initiative for Columbus-based Urban Farmers and Gardeners who steward a fresh food culture in their own neighborhoods.

Attendees at the first Community Growers’ Network Gathering at MTSO, January 2023

The Community Growers’ Network (CGN) focuses on communities which are food deserts/apartheids.

The project is designed to build food system resilience by investing in the capacities of Urban Growers with various experience levels. CGN Members receive financial, social, and other support throughout the program such as access to the two newly hired CGN staff: a Volunteer Coordinator and the Urban Farming Apprenticeship Coordinator. The project also launches an Urban Farming Apprenticeship for young adults amongst Network members, with a primary location at South Side Family Farms. The Network includes:

  • One (1) Convener Community Grower: Franklinton Farms. 

  • One (1) Lead Community Grower: South Side Family Farms 

  • Six (6) Community Growers: Highland Youth Garden, Mamie Mack Community Garden/Bronzeville Growers Market, Four Seasons City Farm, Kimball Farms Community Garden, SE Urban Farm, and the Garden Club Project.

  • We will explore including up to  five (5) additional Beginning Growers in the second year of the project

This 2-year project, which began in August of 2022, is funded by The US Department of Agriculture and The Osteopathic Heritage Foundations.