Cultivating Innovation and Community at the Farm on the Hilltop

Cultivating Innovation and Community at the Farm on the Hilltop

Nationwide Foundation helps provide funding for new urban "smart farm"

In the heart of Columbus' Hilltop neighborhood, an extraordinary change is happening. What was once a vacant, seven-acre lot is now a thriving urban farm thanks to the vision of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC).

Functioning as a "smart farm," the Farm on the Hilltopwas developed in March 2024 and integrates cutting-edge technology with sustainable farming practices. The farm features vertical growing towers, hydroponic systems and crop-harvesting robots which help maximize its yield and produce fresh, nutritious food for the community.

Under farm director, Trevor Horn, the farm is just one area of the Collective's focus in addition to its pharmacy, food banks, markets and kitchen. The produce grown at the farm helps keep the MOFC's food banks and markets stocked with healthy produce options.

This year alone, the farm harvested over 3,500 pounds of food that helped feed local residents, used 60% less water through the drip irrigation system in vertical towers and 70% less water in hydroponic and container gardening systems.

The farm's impact also extends beyond providing fresh produce - it also serves as an educational hub, offering tours, volunteer opportunities, and community events. The educational opportunities like agriculture teacher workshops, food lesson planning and its demonstration kitchen are also helping connect people to their food and foster a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.

"The mission to make every acre count motivates us to harness the power of innovation as we work to provide fresh food for our neighbors," said Horn. "We hope that the work we're doing at the farm can serve as a model for what urban agriculture can achieve."

The Farm on the Hilltop's success exemplifies the impactful collaboration between businesses and nonprofits. The Nationwide Foundation, a long-time supporter of the MOFC, has donated over $7.1 million since 2020 to support its efforts to end hunger in the community through various initiatives like the farm's development.

In addition to the Nationwide Foundation's financial contributions, Nationwide employees have volunteered with the MOFC for years. With the Farm on the Hilltop opening to volunteers in the summer of 2024, there will be even more opportunities for employees to assist with planting, harvesting, and maintaining the farm's infrastructure.

"Nationwide employees are passionate about giving back and making a difference," said Chad Jester, President of the Nationwide Foundation. "The farm's success is a powerful reminder that when we come together with a shared vision, we can cultivate hope and nourish our communities in remarkable ways."

To learn more about the impact of the MOFC or volunteer today, visit https://mofc.org/