–Cuyahoga County
“What is essential is invisible to the eye. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.” –Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Humane Food Options
in Cuyahoga County
Countywide…
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City Fresh
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Heinen’s Fine Foods strives to carry animal products that are Certified Humane
Find Your City…
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Cleveland
Humane Farms
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Cleveland: Maggie’s Farm (scroll down)
Humane Farm Programs
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Lakewood
Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community (scroll down)
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Humane Artisans
— under construction
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Humane Venues
— under constryuction
- Humane Pet Foods
— under construction
(Sorry, ASL is under construction right now…)
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Humane Farms in Cleveland
Maggie’s Farm
Farmer’s Word:
“We are an urban farm in the Stockyards neighborhood of Cleveland. We use natural farming practices like permaculture and lasagna gardening methods. Our chickens are naturally fed with as much yard time as possible, they are humanely treated and have a great outdoor run for as much fresh air and outdoor time as possible.”
–Diane Morgan, Farmer
Ethics.
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The hens at Maggie’s Farm (“the girls”) spend their days walking around freely in a very large run. For frequent supervised periods are allowed complete freedom to explore the farm lot. Both the lot and the run are decorated with well-used chicken toys, things to climb into, areas of both sun and shade, and other things that chickens like. They have adequate fencing to protect the them from dogs, cats, opossums, and hawks. These hens are not pastured, but supervised like family pets, so they roam with perhaps even more freedom than we’ve seen at the pasturing farms. They occupy an environment that arouses curiosity, encourages exercise, and provides opportunity to socialize with people as well as birds. Says farm intern, Jessie, “They’re spoiled.”
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The hens are raised for brooding, not for meat. There are no plans to kill them for meat. For the most part, Diane intends to allow them to live the extent of their natural life span. For people who are ethical vegetarians, Maggie’s Farm is the closest we’ve found to a “no-kill” or “reduced kill” environment. The hens are not on and all-vegetarian diet, but consume a mix of natural chicken foods, including grains, greens, compost worms, bugs, and maggots. In this way, they also benefit produce yields by offering a measure of natural “pest control” to the farm.
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Maggie’s Farm avoids the use of chemicals in farming. “We use no persticides or herbicides and control pests using natural methods.”
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Currently living at the farm is Diane’s original flock of hens, which when chicks were acquired from a commercial hatchery (that kills male chicks). Diane has stated that in the future, they will consider breeding the hens and hatch their own when they decide they want new chicks.
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There is no mutilation of birds or animals, and they do no force-molting.
Yields
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- Fresh, nutrient-rich chicken eggs from happy hens
- Fresh, high-quality produce including gorgeous green spinach, sweet snap peas, crunchy carrots, crisp tuscan kale, delicious green onions, colorful Swiss chard, golden beets loaded with beta carotene, spicy chives, aromatic chamomile, bright bushy dill plants, sweet fennel, and so much more. Diane Morgan is always thinking up new things to grow!
- Earthworms for compost
Community Supported Agriculture
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While Maggie’s Farm is currently launching new programs and experimental ideas, they’ve decided not to publicly offer a CSA package for the 2012 season.
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Eggs and produce are available for purchase. To inquire, contact Diane Morgan via Local Harvest email (postemail.jsp) or by phoning Diane directly at the farm (216-961-3113).
Notes
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We commend Diane Morgan her great generosity in sharing her time and information while we visited her . She is a smiling, dynamic person who does not mind lots of questions. She clearly believes in and enjoys educating us city folk about city farming.
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If you want to to buy eggs and/or produce from Maggie’s Farm, we recommend that you contact Diane Morgan via Local Harvest email (postemail.jsp) or phone Diane directly at the farm (216-961-3113).
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Diane Morgan and her intern Jessie heartily welcomed us to hang out with the hens and see what life is like on an urban farm. It was a wonderful time. We met two amazingly knowledgeable farmers, an array of smiling neighborhood friends, and most importantly, the gorgeous and colorful creators of the eggs we enjoy at breakfast.
Location and Hours
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At the farm by appointment: Call 216-961-3113.
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Farm pickup can be arranged on an individual basis depending on availability.
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Maggie’s Farm is a regular vendor at Lakewood, Ohio’s LEAF night, featuring various vendors and City Fresh pickup. For 2012 LEAF Nights are Thursday evenings 5:30-8:00 PM in front of the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Best Methods of Payment
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Like most farmers we’ve met, they appreciate cash.
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Not sure what other forms are acceptable, so you’ll have to ask.
More Information
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You’ll meet Diane Morgan, farmer … maybe you’ll see husband Russ; farm intern Jessie and Bo works the farm, too. And if you’re lucky, the famous farm dog: Maggie herself.
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3413 West Sixty-Third Street
Cleveland, Ohio 441022 -
Phone: 216 961 3113
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Maggie’s Farm website at http://www.maggiesfarmcle.org/
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Email via Local Harvest: postemail.jsp
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Humane Farm Projects
in Cuyahoga County
City Fresh
Farmer’s Word:
“City Fresh meets the needs of both urban and rural communities by improving access to fresh, locally grown food for urban residents and increasing marketing opportunities in the city for local farmers. We are a movement of volunteers, farmers, youth and community members committed to local food and health in our community. City Fresh delivered over 13,000 shares in 2011, directly contributing more than $150,000 to local farmers.”
–The New Agrarian Center, Home of the George Jones Farm and City Fresh
Ethics
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City Fresh is a program of the New Agrarian Center (NAC) that seeks to build a more just and sustainable local food system in Cuyahoga, Lorain & Erie counties.
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City Fresh cares deeply about healthy food and understands its connection with ecological and economic sustainability.
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While City Fresh does not insist that the food they source has been grown by farmers with Organic Certification, they do work closely with all of their farmers to learn about their practices and motivations, and to ensure they understand their preferences.
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The City Fresh approach of focusing on relationships instead of regulations has opened many doors, and it is proud to be able to provide more than ninety percent chemical-free or organically certified produce in its shares. All City Fresh food is grown on farms with a biodiverse and richly maintained soil.
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City Fresh ensures that their shareholders receive the best quality and most fresh produce available.
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City Fresh also tries to provide one or two unique items in each week’s share that their buyers may or may not be familiar with.
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City Fresh sources all of its food locally. It buys from farms with seventy-five miles of the “Fresh Stop” where local people pick up their weekly share.
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City Fresh food is fresh. It is picked up directly from the farmer on the day of the Fresh Stop pick up, and is often picked from the fields and hoop houses that very morning.
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City Fresh takes environmental stewardship very seriously, including responsibility for the impact of transport. Its delivery trucks that service Cuyahoga, Erie, and Lorain counties all run on filtered vegetable oil.
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City fresh supports small family farms. In 2011 it sourced from thirty such farms, four of which are located in urban sites. Most of its produce comes from a small network of Amish growers north of Ashland.
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City Fresh is the only Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in North East Ohio with a Limited Income share option. It utilizes the WIC Income Guidelines to determine eligibility. It is also the only program that accepts the Ohio Direction Card.
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City Fresh is a program of the NAC, and provides naturally grown, local produce at weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fresh Stop’s in Cuyahoga, Lorain & Erie counties. City Fresh meets the needs of both urban and rural communities by improving access to fresh, locally grown food for urban residents and increasing marketing opportunities in the city for local farmers. Shares have two prices to accommodate low-income shareholders.
Community Supported Agriculture
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Shareholders become members in this weekly CSA and have two options. A $28 Family Share will feed 3-4 people. Low income Shareholders who meet the WIC guidelines for low income pay $16. A $15 Single Share is good for 1-2 people. Low-income Shareholders pay $9. The Ohio Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card is accepted. Shares are paid for a week in advance. You can purchase multiple weeks if you like.
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Orders must be placed by 10:00pm Thursday of the week before delivery. To submit your order, go to http://www.gotthenac.org/members.
Notes
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Besides the City Fresh pick up, the Lakewood Fresh Stop location includes a variety of local farm vendors, such as Diane Morgan with her harvest from Maggie’s Farm, Bay Branch Farm, Old Husher’s Farm, and Geauga Family Farms.
Location and Hours
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CLEVELAND – MIDTOWN FRESH STOP — Trinity Commons
2230 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland 44115
Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 PM
June 12 – October 23, 2012
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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS — Coventry Library
1925 Coventry Rd.
Cleveland Hts. 44118
Tuesdays 5:00 – 7:00 PM
June 12 – October 23, 2012
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EAST CLEVELAND — Stephanie Tubbs Jones Medical Center
13944 Euclid Ave.
East Cleveland 44112
Tuesdays 4:00 – 6:00 PM
June 12 – October 23, 2012
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BUCKEYE-SHAKER NEIGHBORHOOD, CLEVELAND — Shaker Boulevard
12000 Shaker Blvd.
Cleveland 44120
Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:00 PM
June 12 – October 23, 2012
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BEDFORD HEIGHTS — Friendship Mennonite Church
21881 Libby Road
Bedford Hts. 44146
Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:30 PM
June 13 – October 24, 2012
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BEREA — Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
50 East Bagley Rd.
Berea 44017
Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:30 PM
June 13 – October 24, 2012
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DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND — Statler Arms
1127 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland 44115
Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:30 PM
June 13 – October 24, 2012
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NEAR WESTSIDE CLEVELAND/NOVAK PARK — Cleveland Public Library
1900 Fulton Rd.
Cleveland 44102
Thursdays 4:30 – 6:30 PM
June 14 – October 25, 2012
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CLEVELAND KAMM’S CORNER — West Park Massotherapy
4168 Rocky River Dr.
Cleveland 44111
Thursdays 5:00 – 7:00 PM
June 14 – October 25, 2012
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OLD BROOKLYN — Grace Church
2503 Broadview Rd.
Cleveland 44109
Thursdays 5:00 – 7:00 PM
June 14 – October 25, 2012
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CLARK-FULTON NEIGHBORHOOD –– Metro Hospital
2500 Metrohealth Drive
Cleveland 44109
Thursdays 4:30 – 6:30 PM
June 14 – October 25, 2012
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LAKEWOOD — In front of Lakewood Public Library
15425 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood 44107
Thursdays 5:30 – 8:00 PM
June 14 – October 25, 2012
Best Methods of Payment:
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The NAC website is used for processing orders. You can use your credit or debit card through PayPal or your PayPal account.
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In addition, City Fresh accepts cash, checks, and money orders.
More Information:
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Since 2000 the mission of the New Agrarian Center (NAC) is to develop healthy, sustainable & equitable local food systems. It does this through two programs:
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The GEORGE JONES FARM of The New Agrarian Center (NAC) includes 40 acres of former soybean fields that are being converted into a rich complex of market gardens, learning spaces, naturally designed buildings, and restored wetland, prairie, and woodland habitat. The Farm provides produce for City Fresh & Oberlin College, hands-on experience for students of the Lorain County Community College Certificate of Sustainable Agriculture program, local school groups and underprivledge children at a summer camp, applied research and learning for Oberlin College students and faculty and the community.
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City Fresh, a program of the NAC, provides naturally grown, local produce at weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fresh Stops in Cuyahoga, Lorain & Erie counties. City Fresh meets the needs of both urban and rural communities by improving access to fresh, locally grown food for urban residents and increasing marketing opportunities in the city for local farmers. Shares have two prices to accommodate low-income shareholders.
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City Fresh webpage: http://www.gotthenac.org/city-fresh/
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Email via NAC: http://www.gotthenac.org/contact
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Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community
Farmer’s Word:
“Lakewood Earth and Food Community is dedicated to the development of a more sustainable, healthful and economically viable community through environmentally responsible actions producing broad access to fresh, local foods, knowledge and culture..”
— Lakewood Earth and Food Community Mission
Ethics
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LEAF Community works with independent vendors to bring Community Supported Agriculture, local free range meats, eggs and a number of other organically and/or locally produced items to the city of Lakewood each Thursday evening (as of Summer 2012) at the Lakewood Public Library, main branch.
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LEAF creates space and support for community gardens in the city. Aside from providing apartment and condo dwellers with green space and room to garden, community gardens have been shown to raise nearby property values, lower crime rates in adjacent areas, and provide hours of enjoyment to those who work them. They provide physical activity, camaraderie with neighbors, and stress relief, and have been shown to contribute to overall wellness. Gardening is a great platform for inter-generational bonding, provides a wholesome (and fun) activity for the whole family, teaches children where food comes from, and improves the nutrition of those who participate. Growing vegetables in community gardens can help offset rising food prices and bring the community together in the process.
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The LEAF Community offers three CSA programs and many visiting vendors in Lakewood. All of the programs offered vend local produce, so items will vary depending on the growing season. All food is grown within seventy-five miles, and picked within twenty-four hours of delivery!
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The produce available at LEAF Nights is the healthiest produce around. The local farmers rotate their crops and work with soil specialists to ensure that they are maintaining an optimal medium for growth and nutrition.
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By providing local produce, LEAF greatly reduces the risk of its community getting contaminated food. No California spinach at LEAF night.
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LEAF reduces the amount of fossil fuels used for shipping. Decreasing the number of “food miles” can greatly impact the environmental tax we create.
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LEAF believes it’s in a small farmer’s best interest to sustainably care for their land. Global produce growers are increasingly dependent on harsh chemicals and pesticides, because they typically plant “monocrops” and do not rely on traditional techniques such as companion planting or home remedies to help keep their crops healthy. The small Ohio farmers LEAF works with feed their families with the same food we get on LEAF Nights. They want what is best for their land, their families and their consumers. These farmers use very little pesticides, and whenever possible use organic pesticides. Many of the farms would qualify as an organic farm, however are too small to be certified organic.
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By purchasing food from local farmers, LEAF prevents urban sprawl. Urban sprawl creates concrete wastelands in the cities, steals ecosystems from animals and insects, and contributes to a growing problem with storm water runoff and flooding. By ensuring that this community’s small farmers are successful, they will be less likely to sell their land for development.
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LEAF CSAs benefit the local economy. Northeast Ohio’s economy has been increasingly stressed, with the loss of jobs and “brain drain”. We spend approximately $3 Billion per year on food in Cuyahoga County. Keeping as much of that money in our region will greatly help our local economy.
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Every LEAF CSA connects city dwellers to the countryside and farmers. Research shows that we all need a connection to nature.
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LEAF recognizes that many urban people (especially children) do not realize how plants grow, or what they look like in their natural form. Carrots, for example do not grow in perfectly shaped 2 inch nuggets! CSA connects us to our neighbors. In Lakewood, LEAF Nights are magical. People walk by and ask, “What is going on here?” If you come to a LEAF Night Market, you will have the opportunity to meet new folks, enjoy local art, trade your home- grown goodies, listen to great local music, watch kids dance and play, pick up a local sharebag of produce, learn about a new vegetable, and enjoy the Lakewood Library.
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LEAF introduces to the Lakewood community innovative local farms such as:
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Bay Branch Farm — An urban market garden located in Lakewood, Ohio. Their mission is to grow high quality food in a sustainable manner, honoring the soil, the environment, and the people in the community.
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Maggie’s Farm (listed above) — An urban farm in the Stockyards neighborhood of Cleveland. They use natural farming practices like permaculture and lasagna gardening methods. Their hens are naturally fed with as much yard time as possible. They are humanely treated and have a great outdoor run for as much fresh air and outdoor time as possible.
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Old Husher’s Farm— A Lakewood farm managed by a resident that’s been farming Cleveland independently since 2010. The farmer has earned a botany degree from Miami University and a MBA from Cleveland State. He calls himself a general vegetable farmer, but specializes in heirloom tomatoes and melons, Asian greens, and beets, what he calls “vegetables with a story”.
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Geauga Family Farms Certified Organic CSA –a cooperative of certified organic farms in the Geauga County Ohio area. This is a unique way that a group of smaller farms can become certified organic, by bearing the logistical and infrastructure hurdles together.
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City Fresh — This program was initiated by the New Agrarian Center in Oberlin, Ohio. The New Agrarian center is a non-profit who operates the City Fresh program. Their employees work with sixteen local farmers to bring shares of produce to several locations in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. LEAF Community volunteers work with City Fresh employees to manage the Lakewood Fresh Stop.
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Yields
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- Fresh, nutrient-rich chicken eggs from happy hens
- Fresh, high-quality produce grown in Lakewood
- Honey products, baked goods, and more
- Sharpening Service for tools and knives
- Vegan Foods
- Freshly brewed gourmet coffee micro-roasted in Cleveland
- Artisan cheese
- Locally made soup
- Music played by local musicians
Community Supported Agriculture
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LEAF NIGHTS:
Thursday evenings at the Lakewood Public Library, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. LEAF Night Markets are the delivery location for several Community Supported Agriculture programs, listed below. We proudly accept Ohio Direction.
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NEW FOR 2012:
LEAF Community Market is a participating market in the “Produce Perks” program! This is a program of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy coalition, where Ohio Direction card holders can get buy one get one free market tokens (up to $10) for fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit the customer service table at LEAF Night to learn more. -
The LEAF Community offers the following CSA programs and also many visiting vendors in Lakewood in 2012.
All of the programs listed below vend local produce, so items will vary depending on the growing season. Feel great that the following LEAF CSAs offer food that is grown within seventy-five miles, and picked within twenty-four hours of delivery!
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LEAF CSA Options
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Bay Branch Farm a la Farm Carte
Bay Branch Farm offers a buying club that allows members to put a down payment on vegetable purchases. Interested members pay a minimum of thirty-five dollars to join. Each week, members receive an email indicating what is available for sale. Members pick and choose what they want and their account is deducted accordingly. They offer a variety of leafy greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach, chard), carrots, radishes, beets, green onions, and garlic, among other tasty goodies right from the ground. During most of the season (~ May-Oct), there will be about two weekly pick-up options, including LEAF Night at the Lakewood Library.
CONTACT Annabel Khouri
annabel@baybranchfarm.com
216 970 5718
baybranchfarm.com - Old Husher’s Produce Prepaids
Similar to Bay Branch’s a la farm carte (see listing above), but costs $50, instead of $35.
- Geauga Family Farms Organic CSA
Geauga Family Farms is a cooperative of farms in the Geauga County Ohio area. Geauga Family Farms CSA program will be delivered on Thursdays at LEAF Nights. Geauga Family Farms will offer a twenty-week season in 2012.
Pricing (one market bag per week for twenty week season):
- Regular Full share $700
- Regular Half share $425
- Optional Extra Items:
- One dozen eggs each week for twenty weeks: $65
- One loaf of wheat bread each week for twenty weeks: $65
- One jar of jam each week for twenty weeks (specify a flavor or they’ll choose): $65
- One pound of ground beef each week for twenty weeks: $88
To sign up, download the brochure.
Mail the contract to:
10401 Stuart Drive, Concord Township, Ohio 44077CONTACT: Laura Dobson
ldobson@geaugafamilyfarms.org - City Fresh
This program was initiated and is operated by the New Agrarian Center, a non-profit organization in Oberlin, Ohio. Their employees work with sixteen local farmers to bring shares of produce to several locations in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. LEAF Community volunteers work with City Fresh employees to manage the Lakewood Fresh Stop.
Sign up for City Fresh Lakewood online at http://www.gotthenac.org/members
How the program works:
- Shareholders are required to prepay for shares at least one week in advance. Low-income shareholders receive a discount. The price for the regular-income shares is slightly padded to subsidize the low-income share cost and some administrative expenses. Ohio Direction Card is proudly accepted. The program will run for approximately twenty weeks. Delivery will be weekly on designated “LEAF Nights” (for 2012, Thursdays starting on June Fourteenth) at the Lakewood Public Library, Main Branch.Pricing:
- Family Share (enough for approximately three or four individuals)
Regular Income: twenty-eight dollars per week
Limited Income: sixteen dollars per week - Single Share (enough for approximately one or two individuals)
Regular Income: fifteen dollars per week
Limited Income: nine dollars per weekTo sign up: - Download the brochure and mail in your registration to the address on the form, OR
- Sign up online!
For LEAF CSA programs information or to help out as a volunteer:
CONTACT Chris, Crystal, Missy, or Annie at
leafcsa@gmail.com
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Location and Hours
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For 2012, Thursday Nights at the Lakewood Public Library, 5:30-8:00 PM
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One of our favorite humane farmers, Diane Morgan at Maggie’s Farm, is a regular vendor at Lakewood, Ohio’s LEAF night, along with various other farm vendors and the City Fresh CSA pickup. For 2012 LEAF Nights are Thursday evenings 5:30-8:00 PM in front of the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Best Methods of Payment
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Like most farmers we’ve met, they appreciate cash.
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For online payments, PayPal or charge.
More Information
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CSA webpage at http://www.leafcommunity.org/csa-programs
- Since LEAF Nights depend greatly on volunteers, they are always looking for more people to help out. Please let them know if you are able to join them.
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Humane Artisans
Cuyahoga County is Under Construction
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Humane Venues
Cuyahoga County is Under Construction
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Humane Pet Foods
Cuyahoga County is Under Construction
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(Sorry, ASL is under construction right now)
Christine Anastasia Mason
jndryden
sonamdolma
Know How It Grows 
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