Ohio City Farm
Visit The Ohio City Farm website!
The Ohio City Farm, one of the largest contiguous urban farms in the United States at nearly six acres, exists to provide fresh, local, and healthy food to Cleveland’s underserved residents, boost the local food economy, and educate the community about the importance of a complete food system. While it boasts stunning views of the Cleveland skyline, the farm is a welcome break in the typical urban landscape.
The Ohio City Farm is jointly managed by the Refugee Response, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and the tenants who work the land. Providing the necessary resources, land, and support to sustain successful ventures for urban farmers, the partnership further positions Ohio City as a key component in Cleveland’s regional food system. Between the months of June and November, residents are encouraged to visit the Ohio City Farm stand to purchase produce and enjoy the harvest. The farmstand is located on the corner of West 24th Avenue and Bridge Street and is open from 10am-3pm. every Saturday. Produce from the farm is also available annually through a CSA subscription managed by the Refugee Response.
The 2018 season was a successful growing season on the Ohio City Farm. The Ohio City Farm Stand saw an increase in CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscriptions, and an increase in revenue from tours, education classes, and restaurant sales.
CMHA Green Team
CMHA Green Team is a seasonal urban agriculture training and educational program for low-income, public housing residents. Residents gain experience growing their own produce for their families, friends and community and learn about our global and local food systems. The program is held from May to November and is managed by Amanda Block and Gregory Durica Jr.
During the 2018 season, the CMHA Green Team increased their plot of land to three-quarters of an acre. This increased production by almost 2,000 pounds.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC), comprised of a brewery and a brewpub and located right around the corner from Ohio City Farm, was founded in 1988 by brothers Pat and Dan Conway as the first microbrewery in the state of Ohio. The Ohio City Farm is GLBC’s second farming venture after Pint Size Farm at Hale Farm and Village (established in 2008) in support of their triple bottom line: environmental, social and economic prosperity.
The Refugee Response
The Refugee Response (TRR) empowers refugees to become self-sufficient and contributing members of their new communities. The Refugee Empowerment Agricultural Program (REAP), an initiative of the Refugee Response, nourishes the community with local food and empowers resettled refugee trainees in Northeast Ohio providing them with employment, education, and training.
Although the Great Lakes Brewing Company is still responsible for an acre of land on the Ohio City Farm, it is The Refugee Response that tills the land and produces hops used in the brewing of Great Lakes beer.
