In Tough Economic Times, Cincinnati Turns to Gardening

Mayor Dedicates SEIU’s Over-the-Rhine Urban Farm

Like millions of Americans, the city of Cincinnati is turning to gardening in tough economic times.  Mayor Mark Mallory helped to dedicate SEIU Local 1’s urban farm—one of fourteen of its kind being built as part of a new city program.  Designed by University of Cincinnati architecture students, the new farm will include a greenhouse made out of reused plastic two-liter bottles, a rainwater collection system for irrigation and a community space.

"These are the kind of transformations that really bring communities together that get people to see the kind of progress that can be made with really small steps," said Mayor Mallory.

In collaboration with the City of Cincinnati, SEIU Local 1 helped to establish the urban gardening pilot program that is transforming vacant lots in inner-city neighborhoods into farms. The program seeks to provide local, healthy, organic food for the community and reduce Cincinnati’s carbon footprint.  In the future, the gardens will create an environment that fosters a more vibrant sense of community, increased property values and decreased violence.

Local 1’s farm, located on Walnut between 13th and Mercer in Over-the-Rhine, will bring neighbors together with Appalachian, African-American, and Latino union members who will volunteer time working the land and receive a share of the harvest in return. Partner groups include Mayor Mallory's Young Professional Kitchen Cabinet, University of Cincinnati architecture students, the OTR Community Council, and the City of Cincinnati’s Urban Gardening Pilot Program.