urban restoration
programs
superior farm
After and during renovations, the Food Strong Team, community partners, and neighboring community will create and maintain an Urban Farm to further enhance our shared mission of improving food access, environmental sustainability, nutrition education, and entrepreneurship. We will implement strategic community engagement and needs assessments to ensure that the transformation is community-informed, collaborative, and truly reflective of the needs and goals of the neighborhood and all of Greater Cleveland. We will significantly expand the current space into a multi-organizational hub, community marketplace, learning center, and more. We will maintain and beautify the grounds, making necessary repairs and aesthetic improvements on the property, all while training community members in construction, landscaping, carpentry, and related fields. Superior Farm will be a space that engages and beautifies the neighborhood while improving access to fresh, local foods, workforce development opportunities, and resources. All of this will be done while repurposing and resting materials to foster a circular economy, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency. The Farm will be a great asset for Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio. Sign up to volunteer on Tuesdays (10am-5pm) or Thursdays (10am-7pm) here, or sign up to bring your group to volunteer with us here. You can donate to this initiative here. Thanks for your support!
Vacant lot restoration initiative
Food Strong first gained experience with vacant lot restoration in 2020 when we couldn't be in the schools due to the lockdowns that occurred. One of our schools, Iowa Maple Elementary, closed permanently during this difficult time. Luckily, our parters at the Coit Road Farmer's Market gifted us a 2/3 acre parcel at their urban farm, where we built out our Learning Garden. For 5 years, we hosted field trips, camps, and volunteer groups at this space. We even sold the foods we grew at the Market.
In 2022, we launched the Vacant Lot Restoration Initiative (VLRI) through the generous support of Cuyahoga County. It was a partnership between Food Strong, Rid-All Green Partnership, and the Cuyahoga Land Bank. We collaborated with community groups to acquire and restore vacant lots through sustainable agricultural practices. We supported urban farms and gardens, pocket parks, community gathering spaces, and other innovative constructions, emphasizing collaboration to foster project sustainability.
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Now, we are transforming our Superior Farm into our headquarters and vibrant space for gathering, education, cultivation, and community. Click here to learn more.
