Cleveland Nonprofit Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Revitalize Vacant Property into Urban Farm Hub
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Food Strong, a Cleveland-based nonprofit committed to food justice and sustainability, is embarking on an ambitious 5-year initiative to transform a vacant property at Superior Avenue and East 67th Street into a thriving urban farm and community resource hub. Dubbed the Superior Farm Fix-Up, the project will address food insecurity, create educational opportunities, and provide vital community services.
The property, formerly owned by another nonprofit, includes a 7,000-square-foot, 10-bedroom house requiring significant restoration estimated at $500,000. Food Strong founder and executive director Sara Continenza sees this as an opportunity to create a lasting resource for the community.
“Our goal is not only to build a great asset for the neighborhood but also to establish a revenue stream that makes us less reliant on grants to survive,” Continenza said. “Everything about this project will be community-driven.”
The site’s location at the end of the Cleveland Foundation’s Opportunity Corridor adds to its potential impact, according to Continenza.
Building a Food-Secure Community
The Superior Farm will grow crops tailored to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s healthy salad bar program and a variety of fruits and vegetables for affordable sale to local residents. Utilizing regenerative agriculture techniques, the farm will emphasize sustainability and year-round operation through climate-resilient, carbon-neutral practices.
Volunteer support will be critical, with over 300 individuals already engaged in preparatory cleaning efforts since Food Strong acquired the property in September. Plans include incorporating hydroponics and aquaponics to maintain continuous production.
The project aims to combat systemic food insecurity. “It’s not just a food desert; we call it food apartheid because it reflects the systemic policies that created the conditions these neighborhoods face,” Continenza said.
A Phased Approach and Community Input
Each year, Food Strong will add new elements to the property, starting with the restoration of gardens and progressing to housing, training programs, and recreational spaces. Community engagement will remain central, with listening sessions and volunteer opportunities allowing residents to contribute ideas and assist in the transformation.
Food Strong has partnered with Greater Cleveland Construction, which is donating services, and other businesses listed at foodstrong.com/farm. Collaborative education initiatives will bring in subject matter experts to lead training programs, focusing on skills ranging from urban farming to entrepreneurship.
“We operate through collaboration and community engagement because we know we can’t do everything alone,” Continenza said.
Financial Needs and Future Vision
The total project cost is estimated at $6 million over five years. While $100,000 has been secured, Food Strong requires an additional $3-400,000 to restore the house to a functional headquarters. Corporate sponsors and in-kind contributions, particularly skilled labor in plumbing and construction, are being sought to bridge the funding gap.
Continenza envisions the site becoming a resilience hub, providing affordable food and fostering small business growth. “We want this to be a place where people can go when they’re struggling, whether for food, skills training, or entrepreneurial support,” she said.
A Call to Action
Food Strong is encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. Details are available at foodstrong.com, and the team can be reached at (216) 417-0111 or info@foodstrong.org.
“This is a community effort, and there’s a way for everyone to contribute,” Continenza said. “The impact of this project will benefit not just this neighborhood but all of Northeast Ohio.”
Making a Difference
For Continenza, the reward lies in seeing the lives her organization touches. “When parents and children tell us they enjoy healthier food because they tried it with us, or when they get excited about the knowledge they’ve gained, those little impacts drive me every day.”
