 The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed Ben Tegel to our Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Club luncheon meeting and appreciated their presentation on the Akron Cooperative Farms. Ben is a ACF Board Member and President of Auxin Group Wealth Management. What is Akron Cooperative Farms? Their Mission: Transforming underutilized land into urban farms for community gardens and entrepreneurial enterprises designed to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Akron through agriculture. Their Purpose: Akron Cooperative Farms is an urban farm in the North Hill community of Akron. The program brings diverse residents and neighbors together around growing produce for their families and community, as well as selling to market as entrepreneurs. The farm consists of over 4 acres of land, divided into 20’ x 20’ plots. Approximately 150 plots are currently in use by 130 individuals. Mr. Tegel explained how many of the gardeners are immigrants and they bring different products to market that were grown in Nepal and Burma. Ben mentioned that the farmers are a little competitive as to who has the best garden, etc. For many, gardening gives them a “sense of purpose.” ACF is impacting lives through 1) job creation, 2) creating a social inclusive haven, 3) promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, 4) sourcing the region with local food, 5) providing space where ethnic minorities can reconnect to their agrarian culture and 6) repurposing underutilized land. Individuals interested in getting involved can do a variety of things, including becoming a board member, volunteering as a group for a big project, interning with ACF, looking for something to do on a consistent basis, or just have an hour or two to give a helping hand. As a new not-for-profit organization, they can always use donations. Your gift helps support local growers and their families, strengthens the local economy, and provides our region with fresh local produce and a sustainable green space that beautifies the urban landscape. During the growing season a Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. To learn more about ACF, including how to lease a plot, check out their website at akroncoopfarms.org or visit their Facebook page at Akron Cooperative Farms. Yours in Service Terry Dalton Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair |
Open M received grant funding from the Akron Rotary Foundation for its Feeding Kids Backpack Project. Our service project with Open M has started! Weekend meals will be packed for 100 low-income and food insecure students for Akron's Innes Middle School.
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