Little Garden Club of Columbus Supports Local Franklinton Farms

May 24, 2023

GCA Common Ground Collaboration Nourishes a Great Community Partnership

As members of GCA clubs from around the country gather in Columbus, Ohio for the 2023 Annual Meeting, here’s an update on a GCA Common Ground Collaborative Grant project in the city.

In 2022, the Little Garden Club of Columbus (LGCC) won the Common Ground Collaborative Grant, which is being used today to help Franklinton Farms distribute over $15,000 of free, nourishing food to neighbors in need. Franklinton, Ohio is an historic and dynamic Columbus neighborhood that also bears the weight of profound challenges, including the state’s lowest life expectancy (a mere 60 years), lack of natural spaces (with only 15% tree cover), and USDA-classification as a food desert. 

Along with providing food, the LGCC teamed up with Franklinton Farms to establish and promote pollinator, edible, and medicinal gardens in high-traffic areas to benefit vulnerable local communities. The club also provided free garden education and purchased important farming supplies. 

The initiative is already having a real impact on the community. Akilah, a farm customer remarked, “Since I have been eating vegetables from the farm, my health has improved tremendously...what you all are doing is life changing. You are making a difference in our community in ways you may not know. I humbly thank you for everything!” 

In the next phase of funding, LGCC will work with the Farms to install interpretative signage that encourages neighbors to enjoy edible plants and utilize medicinal plants.

Established in 2007, Franklinton Farms is a highly productive, non-profit urban farm. In addition to free produce giveaways, it also sells significantly discounted produce to local neighbors and SNAP recipients. The Farms also promotes environmental education, community beautification, and neighborhood foodscape stewardship. They believe that “good food should be an option for everyone who wants it!”

 

 

See All News