The Farm2Pantry Pilot Initiative was presented at the 2023 Community Garden Leader Training hosted by Let’s Grow Akron. The highlights and impacts of the 2022 Farm2Pantry Pilot Initiative were shared, and participants were encouraged to connect with their local pantry and practice gleaning to increase the availability of fresh produce at pantries across Summit County.

Ways You Can Contribute

1. Practice GLEANING!!! - Gleaning is the practice of collecting surplus produce to provide for those in need.
2. Grow a designated garden plot for the purpose of donating all of the produce to local food pantries.
3. Reach out to food pantries in your area to check if they are accepting donations. Contact 2-1-1 or the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank for an up-to-date list of food pantries.

In the meantime, the Farm2Pantry Pilot Initiative partners have been busy getting the garden beds prepped and starting seedlings. The gardens are scheduled to be installed during the last week of May.

KERR PARK

In 2021 and 2022, Kerr Park was refurbished to increase community access to inclusive, equitable space to engage in physical activity, including a new playground, beautification, and the installation of a walking route.

The planning team brainstormed ways to decrease disparities in equitable access to physical activity opportunities in the West Akron neighborhood. The idea of creating a “lending library” rose to the top of the list. A “lending library” is a non-traditional library of a variety of exercise and outdoor play equipment for all ages made available to the West Akron neighborhood at the Lawton Community Center; the equipment can be used at any location, including the Lawton Community Center, Kerr Park, in an individual’s backyard, or anywhere else in the neighborhood

The planning team continues to engage with project partners to finalize the details of the program. A survey has been launched to determine what equipment items are most desired. The survey will close on May 19. The soft launch of the “lending library” is set for the end of May.

BOSS PARK

There has been exciting progress made at Boss Park this spring!

The conceptual draft plan for Boss Park was shared with the community at the April Neighborhood Network monthly meeting. The planning team presented the draft plan and obtained interactive feedback from the 55 community members that attended the meeting.

The next step is finalizing and advancing the plan!

SUMMIT BIKE SHARE

CHC is partnering with Ohio & Erie Canal Way Coalition to expand the existing bike infrastructure network in the City of Barberton. The target outcomes of the partnership are to increase community awareness and the inclusivity of the Summit Bike Share. The planning team is working with partner locations to finalize the seasonal schedule. Fliers will be distributed throughout the community with information about the Summit Bike Share program.

To learn more about the Summit Bike Share, please visit: http://summitshare.org/

Mission

Activating community-led solutions to create sustainable change in policies, places, and population health.

Vision

Vibrant Ohio communities where everyone has access to healthy food and opportunities for active living.