Farm to Foodbank
Feeding Communities, Growing Farms
Program Strengthens Local Farms While Nourishing Ohio Families
The Feeding Communities, Growing Farms initiative is a bold response to food insecurity and rural economic strain. The program is a collaborative effort between Oberlin Food Hub, Wayward Seed Farm, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, philanthropic funders and a network of organic farmers around the region. Building on the success of the federally supported Ohio CAN (Community, Agriculture, Nutrition) program, our Farm to Foodbank model connects small and mid-sized farms with Ohio’s food banks—ensuring fresh, local produce reaches families in need while guaranteeing fair market prices for growers.
This award-winning approach is more than a distribution channel—it’s a catalyst for regional food equity. With strong partners and the support of private donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, our network has delivered over 4.2 million pounds of farm-fresh food—more than 100 full truckloads—to communities across Ohio.
By investing over $700,000 in advance payments directly into small farms (under 150 acres), the program empowers producers to plan, grow, and thrive. With more than $3.6 million injected into rural economies, the ripple effect is clear: stronger farms, stronger communities.
As we expand into urban markets and local grocery retail, your support helps us scale this transformative model—bridging the gap between healthy food access and a thriving regional food system.