Urban Farming Initiative Newsletter #10: Bring on those May flowers!

Dear Urban Farming Initiative Community,

As seedlings stretch toward the sun, we are thrilled to see the same kind of growth in our community, with more volunteers, more activity, and more momentum than ever before.

It has been amazing to welcome new faces, along with familiar ones, to our garden shifts, and we are excited to keep growing together throughout the season. May is a time of blossoming, both in the soil and in the work we are building together.

As always, stay connected with us on Instagram for the latest updates on garden days, food access opportunities, and community events.

Community Events

Here is a list of UFI events and other community happenings in the area this May. We are highlighting incredible events hosted by Ocotillo Herbals, Flow Naturally, La Soupe, and the Urban Farming Initiative’s 2025 Home Run Derby!

Food Access Opportunities

We proudly participate in weekly food access events alongside La Soupe, Freestore Foodbank, and other community organizations, and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Shifts – Community Gardens

April Recap

April was a month of momentum, milestones, and meaningful connections. With five gardens active throughout the week, we had the joy of working with around 30 volunteers in just the past week alone. Volunteers from La Soupe, Saint Ursula Academy, the University of Cincinnati, and longtime community champions like Gary Dangel showed up ready to plant, mulch, water, and grow. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who showed up and dug in.

A special shoutout to the 10 to 15 UC student volunteers who brought incredible strength to our Melrose Garden mulching event. Thank you for all the heavy lifting and for helping us prepare for the season ahead.

We also celebrated another wonderful day at the Beekman Community Market, where we offered free, farm-fresh food for income-eligible families, along with natural seasonings, desserts, clothing, and more. It was more than a market, it was a true community celebration filled with energy, joy, and connection.

Big news: we officially announced our partnership with 80 Acres Farms. This collaboration brings fresh energy and fresh produce to our mission. We even recorded a podcast episode with Renee Camplese of 80 Acres Farms, so stay tuned to hear that inspiring conversation about growing food and equity in Cincinnati.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to engage with the next generation of changemakers at several Net Impact UC events this month. Both of our co-founders, Ben Booker and Kevin Mackey, shared their journeys in social impact and food justice, in sessions beautifully organized by our Garden Coordinator, Sarah Austgen. We are proud to continue supporting emerging leaders and building bridges between food systems and community-driven change.

We wrapped up April with a Garden Party Picnic, a fantastic event full of celebration, delicious food, and even better company. We enjoyed dishes made by community garden neighbors, featuring food grown in the gardens and shared with the community.

Get Involved

We’d love to see you at an event this month! Have questions? Want to volunteer? Click below to sign up or reach out. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to stay updated.

Volunteer with Us: Center for Community Engagement

Links to Events: Sign Up Here

Looking forward to another season of growth and connection!

With gratitude,

Urban Farming Initiative Team