A new initiative to bring more fresh food options to Over-the-Rhine will officially launch this weekend.
Cornerstone Renter Equity, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Urban Farming Collective Food System (UFC) teamed up to provide a space to grow fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at the new Goose Alley Community Garden on Friars Court, near 23 Green St. UFC will manage the garden, and produce will be sold at the group’s first bodega, opening at 29 Green St.
“Access to fresh food and other products is directly related to health and wellness. We will primarily offer healthy items in our bodega to make it easy for residents to select foods that are good for them and their families,” Chad Anderson, UFC owner-operator, said in a press release.
Cornerstone, an OTR-based organization that offers services and programs to its members, like an earning and savings program, financial planning, health and wellness programs, community activities and emergency assistance, will give members stipends to maintain the garden, and UFC will administer the “Grow the Grower” program for members.
“This garden project provides our members and residents a direct connection to the benefits of eating well. Their hard work and pride in learning, planting and tending the garden will help themselves and their families and add to the success of this new neighborhood bodega,” said Alisa Berry, the executive director of Cornerstone.
A grand opening celebration will be held for the garden on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. The bodega will also hold a soft opening the same day, with complimentary food from local chef Michael A. Vinegar, and is expected to officially open by the end of August.
When the bodega officially opens, residents can shop in-person or order through ufcfood.org to pick up in-store. The store will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will accept SNAP benefits. POAH, an affordable housing organization in OTR, is providing the space for the store.
“Creating an environment where our residents can make good choices by having good choices is why we are supporting this unique garden and first-of-its-kind bodega,” said Adam White, regional community impact manager at POAH.
More info: ufcfood.org.
This article appears in Jul 23 – Aug 5, 2025.
