
Could you spare a pint of blood for those in need throughout Columbus?
Believe it or not, you can "bleed" for a good cause without any pain or discomfort. In fact, a few minutes sitting on a comfortable chair is all that's needed to save a number of lives. Donating blood is one of the easiest, yet most selfless acts that you can do. If you've never donated blood before or haven't in a few years, now is the perfect time to perform such a heroic deed.
June 14th, 2020, is World Blood Donor Day. Organized by the World Health Organization, World Blood Donor Day is an annual event designed to raise awareness and spread education about the many benefits of blood donation. This international celebration unites us all in a quest to preserve the wellbeing of our communities with the life-saving gift of blood.
World Blood Donor Day began in 2004 in an attempt to raise awareness of the need for safe, clean blood, as well as to recognize the many selfless donors who voluntarily save the lives of thousands by simply donating their blood a few times each year.
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Think about how much any donation can impact a community. A few dollars can feed a person struggling with homelessness, a few donated clothing can help a family, and a few hours of volunteering can benefit countless members of our society. While time, money, and effort can go a long way in helping our fellow neighbors, blood donations can make quite an impact in ways that we may not even realize.
Like other donations, blood donations are used in a variety of ways. In some cases, donated blood is used in planned medical treatments such as blood transfusions. Donated blood is also used to facilitate urgent medical interventions, such as when an individual has lost a significant volume of their own blood due to an accident, injury, or natural disaster.
What many individuals, even some donors, don't know is that blood is also used for healthcare in other, long-term ways. Many blood donations are saved in a blood bank for future use while others are sent overseas to countries that do not have safe or sufficient quantities of blood. Blood plasma donations can also be used for other medical treatments.
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When you donate blood, every drop counts. While it may seem odd to think that something every human has is in short supply around the world, the reality is that there are thousands if not millions of men, women, and children across the globe that cannot obtain the clean, safe blood that they desperately need to restore their health. Here are a few vital facts about blood donations that we believe you should know:
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Would you like to learn more about donating blood? Here are a few frequently asked questions prospective donors inquire about via the American Red Cross:
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Saturday, June 13, 2020
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Friday, June 19, 2020
Note that many locations may require signup prior to donating, but these blood donation events are far from the only opportunities for donation. Nearly every day of the year, there's a way for you to donate blood around the Columbus area. There are also a number of blood buses that schedule frequent stops at popular locations such as shopping plazas, community centers, and school campuses.
Have you ever donated blood before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below and give other donors the support and advice you think will help make their experience as positive as possible.

Summer is the perfect time to breathe new life into your deck and landscaping with beautiful flowers, shrubs, and patio plants. These greenhouses around Columbus will help you find what you need to spruce up your yard this season.
2500 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH
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deMonye's Greenhouse has been family-owned and operated since 1929, so they must be doing something right! Their growers have over 50 years of experience in growing healthy plants, and their staff is happy to help you pick the perfect plants. You'll find succulents, annuals, perennials, tropicals, and garden vegetable plants. And if you're unsure about what plants to choose for front porch planters, you've come to the right place. deMonye's custom planters will talk with you about what plants you like and then plant them in a planter for you.
1156 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH
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If spring has inspired you to improve your landscaping, you'll find a very large selection at Oakland Nurseries. The staff is trained in horticulture, so they'll be able to offer knowledgeable advice about their plants as well as what would work well in your yard's conditions. You'll find many unique and exotic plants, shrubs, ornamental and shade trees, houseplants, succulents, and bonsai plants. The nursery also has plenty of fruit, nut, and vegetable plants, seeds, bulbs, and gardening accessories as well as annual, perennial, and patio plants. Whatever you're looking for, you'll most likely find it at Oakland Nurseries.
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Strader's Garden Center has thousands of shrubs and trees to choose from, and if you don't have a green thumb, don't worry—most come with a one-year guarantee. You'll also find flowering plants to brighten your garden with, as well as indoor plants to bring a touch of nature inside. A variety of organic products are available, including lawn foods, plant foods, potting mixes, and supplements. And if you'd like to attract birds to your yard this spring, you'll find a good selection of bird feeders and seed.
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Dill's Greenhouse is an area mainstay, located southeast of Columbus between Groveport and Canal Winchester. Their original greenhouses were built in 1923, and the business has grown exponentially since then. Family-owned Dill's Greenhouse grows their own annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and hanging baskets, and they have 10 acres of production and retail areas. Most of their trees and shrubs are grown in Ohio, so they're not traveling long distances, and you know they'll thrive in the state's climate. You'll also find natural and organic products to help your garden grow, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
182 N. Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH
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You'll be able to check off your list of exterior and interior landscaping needs at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, since they carry everything from pond care items to trees and shrubs. They pride themselves on great customer service and even host an annual spring festival as well as other events throughout the year. And if you'd like to learn more about particular gardening topics, check out their seminars and workshops, which include topics such as herb and fairy gardens. And before you take your purchases home with you, take time to pet Smokey, the garden center's cute resident cat.
4899 Hendron Road, Groveport, OH
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Located just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, Cuthbert Greenhouse was founded in 1951 as a way to supply starter plants to the Cuthbert family's large vegetable farm. Since then, it has expanded to over 15 acres devoted to growing. The business supplies other greenhouses, retail chains, and other customers but also has a neighborhood garden center called The Market. Cuthbert Greenhouse grows a wide variety of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more.
6125 Westerfield Road, Westerfield, OH
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Kurtz Bros. plant nursery is located next to its landscape center, so you can easily find everything you'll need for your lawn and garden. They'll advise you about how to create and maintain a beautiful yard and will even deliver for an additional charge. The company produces topsoil, mulch, and compost to go along with the perennials, annuals, grasses, trees, shrubs, and more that it sells, so you'll be able to make sure your purchases are well taken care of when you get home.
3388 Castle Road, Alexandria, OH
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Baker's Acres Garden Center has 4,000 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs, the vast number of which are grown in the area. Their staff will help you choose the right plants for your needs, and if you'd like anything potted, stop by the greenhouse. They have containers for sale, or you can bring your own and get them to arrange and pot it for you. And if you're looking for some fun yard decor made by local artists, Baker's Acres has that, too!
6368 Scioto Darby Creek Drive, Hilliard, OH
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If you need help deciding what plants to choose or how to care for them, Darby Creek Nursery has the experts to help. Certified Grower Technicians and Certified Garden Center Technicians can help provide the advice you need to give your project the best chance for success. The nursery sells an extensive variety of shrubs, trees, and plants, and all their shrubs and trees have a one-year guarantee. And if you'd like to spiff up your landscaping even further, check out Darby Creek's water fountains and patio decorations.
What plants will your Columbus area yard include this year?

Did you know the city of Columbus has a long and interesting history that can be told through its iconic signs? It's true! Next time you're itching to get out of the house, we suggest taking a drive around so you can see some of these historic signs and buildings for yourself.
Follow this list in order and you'll have the perfect driving tour. Let's get started!
153 East Main St. Columbus, OH 43215
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It's easy to spot the verticle red and white sign adorning the outside of Hawk Galleries. This retail art gallery was founded in 1986 and moved to this 5,000 square-foot location in 2002. It continues to be an icon in the culturally rich area of downtown Columbus.
Here you'll find museum-quality works of art made by world-renowned artists working in a variety of mediums including glass, sculpture, wood, metal, and paintings.
240 S. Fourth St. Columbus, OH 43215
The original Littel Palace Restaurant was a staple of downtown Columbus for decades. When the location was purchased by new owners in 2010, they decided to keep the name, in part, because of the recognizable neon sign. It reads "Little Palace | Food | Liquor" with an arrow adorned with the word "Restaurant" pointing towards the entrance.
The restaurant itself is incredibly popular among locals and is also a "must visit" spot for tourists. From the 1960s look to the delicious selection of American, Greek, Italian, and other ethnic dishes, this locally-owned restaurant and bar has more than earned its stellar reputation.
11 W. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The classic vertical sign adorning the Ho-Toy restaurant is easy to spot. It features a top that resembles a Chinese pagoda, large Asian-style lettering that reads "Ho Toy," and the words "Chinese & American Food & Cocktails" along the bottom.
The Ho-Toy restaurant, which was originally opened back in 1959, used to be located on Town Street. It moved to its current location, which was previously a two-story Burger King restaurant in 1980. The decor still has a 1980s flair and shows its Burger King roots including the original Formica counters, vinyl booths that are now covered in plastic sheeting. and faded paint, carpeting, and flooring that still bears the original Burger King primary colors.
Despite its unassuming interior, the restaurant is known for serving fresh and delicious Americanized Cantonese Chinese comfort food and Thai cuisine.
21 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The Planters Peanut sign is one of the most notable historical signs in Columbus. It features the "peanut man" that has long been part of Planter's marketing and the words "Planters Peanuts" in red neon.
The sign has been in this location since it was erected in 1936 by the Planters Peanut company. At the time, there were over 300 of these shops across the country. They were sold to independent owners in the 1960s. Today, there are only about a dozen of them left, including this one located on E. State St. This nostalgic candy shop now sells roasted nuts, a variety of chocolates, and themed candy.
36 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The 2,791-seat Ohio Theatre has been entertaining the people of Columbus since 1928. The building features stunning architecture and design, including the gorgeous original marquis. This red neon sign continues to be a local landmark to this day.
73 E. Gay St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The historic building that houses the Tip Top is a long-standing icon located in the heart of downtown Columbus. The black and white sign reads "Tip Top" in large lettering and "Kitchen and Cocktails" along the bottom. Most notably, the "I" in Tip is topped with a bright red cherry.
This neighborhood bar offers "Ohio Comfort Food," delicious whiskey drinks, and microbrews on draft. They also have pinball machines, 22 beers on taps, and always offer PBR drafts for just two bucks.
34 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The 2,695-seat Palace Theatre was designed to resemble the Palais de Versailles in France. The inside is adorned with a grand staircase, fountain, mural, and stunning chandeliers. The red neon sign that reads "Columbus Palace Theatre" is impossible to miss!
50 W. Gay St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The mid-century modern Beacon Building was built in 1957 and the huge teal blue and red sign remains a focal point of the area today. This beautiful six-story building faced in polished stone was purchased by the city in 1979 for $2 million. Today it's home Columbus' Public Service Department. Plans are currently underway to relocate the department, and, once this is complete, the building will be sold to a private party.
161 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
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It's hard to miss the giant beer glass sign with the words "Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus" along the side of the Elevator Brewing Co. This beautiful historic restaurant and brewery was founded in 1999 by a father-and-son team.
They've been producing award-winning craft beer for over 20 years and the menu features modern American fare that you're sure to love. When you're done enjoying your meal, you'll want to stick around to play a game on one of their three classic dartboards or restored antique billiard tables. Their eight-foot table dates back to 1891 while the seven-foot table was made in 1884!
59 Spruce St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The original North Market, located in downtown Columbus, is a 144-year-old market that houses an eclectic mix of over 30 independently owned small businesses. Here you'll find fresh produce, seafood, meat, poultry, specialty items, fresh flowers, prepared foods, and unique gifts.
Its huge neon sign, which reads "North Market" and is adorned with a sunshine pattern around the letter "O," is another iconic part of Columbus history.
Which of these iconic buildings will you visit first?

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, street food has been a staple of many global cultures. Today, the growing popularity of food trucks has brought the convenience and variety of street food to Columbus and other cities around the United States.
Find out firsthand how food trucks are changing the Columbus dining scene by visiting these upcoming events.
Seventh Son Brewing - 1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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The Hawaiian cuisine of Aloha Aina is so authentic that you'll feel the tropical sun and breezes while you eat. Customers line up for their signature steamed buns with pork, chicken, tofu, or Spam filling. Their Maui Fresh rice bowl has been described as "deconstructed sushi" and the Loco No Moco bowl is a lighter take on the traditional Hawaiian dish. Find Aloha Aina outside Seventh Son Brewing on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Care Point East - 543 Taylor Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
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Who knew lobsters and sharks made such a great team? Backing from Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank turned Cousins Maine Lobster into a national sensation. Now owners Jimmy and Sabin (yes, they're cousins) have brought their New England seafood favorites to Columbus. Try an iconic lobster roll or shrimp tacos with a side of Cape Cod chips. Grab a tasty lunch from Cousins outside Care Point East on Tuesday, May 26 between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ohio Theatre - 39 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215
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No, Two Fatt Indians doesn't describe owners Amit Kumar and Raj Sabherwal. They just thought it was a funny, catchy name for their truck, which serves genuine North Indian cuisine. The chicken tikka masala earns unanimous raves, while the yogurt-based strawberry lassi drink is a treat rarely found in the Columbus area. Several vegetarian options are available, and the owners are happy to accommodate your preferred level of heat. Two Fatt Indians can be frequently found outside the Ohio Theatre from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Harrison Pond - 4720 Shull Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
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The all-American ice cream sundae gets a Latin twist at Glazed Churro Bar. Vanilla soft-serve is spiked with two churro sticks and dressed up with a range of sauces and toppings, such as the best-selling Cinna-Crunch featuring Cinnamon Toast Crunch and salted caramel glaze. If you can't live by dessert alone, the truck also serves tacos, burritos, and other savory street food. Stop by Harrison Pond on Monday, May 25 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for dinner, dessert, or both.
W. Broad St. & N. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Remember what Mom said about the most important meal of the day? Heath, owner of Always Eat Breakfast, does. Start the day off right with one of their breakfast burritos or bowls made to order with your choice of ingredients. Heartier appetites may choose biscuits or tots topped with sausage or bacon gravy. Pick up one of Heath's extra-large muffins, baked on the truck, for a great midday snack. In a hurry? Visit the website the night before to order ahead. Always Eat Breakfast will be brightening the morning around the intersection of W. Broad St. and N. Front St. from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
St. Vincent Family Center - 1490 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205
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Pita sandwiches are portable and filling, two qualities essential in street food. The fresh and flavorful sandwiches from Pitabilities have earned them a frequent #1 rating by Columbus residents. In addition to the traditional Greek gyro pita, the menu includes variations such as New Delhi with tikka masala sauce and Philly Steak with grilled onions and mushrooms. Possibilities Fries, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and your choice of protein, are a meal by themselves. On Friday, May 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., they'll be Quantum Health 2 at 5260 Blazer Pkwy.
Fifth Third Bank - 1669 Fishinger Rd., Columbus, OH 43221
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For nearly 150 years, Schmidt has been a legendary name in the Columbus food industry. Schmidt's Sausage Truck is the most recent venture for a family business that includes a meat-packing company, concession stands, and a German-themed restaurant. The Bahama Mama, Schmidt's signature pork and beef sandwich, was voted the official food of Columbus. Other offerings include bratwurst, knockwurst, and bologna, as well as classic sides of red cabbage, sauerkraut, and potato salad. Save room for one of the award-winning jumbo cream puffs. Catch Schmidt's outside the UA Five Points branch of Fifth Third Bank on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
DSW - 810 DSW Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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If America had a national food, it would probably be fried chicken. Since 2012, people around Columbus have been flocking to Mya's Fried Chicken and their Korean-inspired, sweet-and-spicy take on the comfort food classic. The meat is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours and pan-fried to a crispy brown before the final touch: a drizzle of honey and vinegar infused with herbs and chilies. Choose from sandwiches, tenders, and wings with a selection of scratch-made sides. Stop by Mya's on Wednesday, May 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside the DSW home office and truck lot.
Ace of Cups - 2619 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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No roundup of top food trucks in Columbus would be complete without Ray Ray's Hog Pit. Pork, beef, and chicken are coated with dry rub and cooked low-and-slow for that trademark pink smoke ring. Sauces are served on the side so you can apply to suit your individual taste. Can't decide? Go for the Meatsweats box filled with smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry-rubbed ribs, and a hot link. Ray Ray's flagship location, adjacent to Ace of Cups, is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
If you opened a food truck, what would be your specialty?

Having access to fresh, healthy food is more important than ever. As we're confined to our homes for the majority of our weeks, it's vital that we receive the nutrition we need to preserve our wellbeing as our physical activity decreases. With warm weather right around the corner, our local farmers markets are reopening to provide our families, friends, and neighbors with the freshest local produce available. Thankfully, the following markets around Columbus are now offering delivery and no-contact pickup options to keep everyone safe.
Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
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The Clintonville Farmers Market is currently open each Saturday from 9 am to noon until November. In a new location at the Ohio History Connection, Clintonville's market is only operating on a pre-order basis. You can order all of your food online, including produce, meats, and bakery goods, and schedule a pick up your order at the Ohio History Connection. You won't even need to leave your car, as representatives from each farm will place your items in your trunk.
2340 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
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As is the case with other retail establishments around Columbus, most farmers markets are closed to foot-traffic. However, the HTH Farm Market is one of the many farmers markets enabling you to purchase your fresh goods online through the rest of the year. For the price of a cup of coffee, HTH Farm Market will deliver to homes within a radius of five miles. If you'd prefer to pick up your order in person, you can do so from noon until 3 pm every afternoon.
The Shops at Worthington, 7227 N. High St., Worthington, OH 43085
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If you want to enjoy the freshest produce from the Worthington Farmers Market, you'll need to get an early start. From now until October, you can preorder your items through each individual farmer, producer, or vendor and pick them up in a single trip. Simply head down to Worthington Community Center between 9 am and noon on Saturdays to have your order placed directly into your truck, free of contact.
13246 Wooster Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
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If you haven't heard of Yellowbird Foodshed, you're in for a treat. This foodshed works with more than 100 food producers from Ohio to deliver fresh, sustainably grown produce to families throughout the state. All of their items are available for delivery. However, we suggest that you choose one of their subscription boxes so that you can receive regular boxes of the freshest in-season produce without ever leaving home.
Granville High School, 248 New Burg St., Granville, OH 43023
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As of right now, the Granville Farmers Market is one of the few farmers markets that will continue to be an in-person, foot-trafficked market. Held at the Granville High School parking lot, the Granville Farmers Market insists that all visitors practice social distancing by sending only one member from each household and remaining 6 feet apart from other shoppers. Please don't bring pets, point to each item that you wish to purchase, and don't attend if you're showing any symptoms of a fever or other illness. Keep in mind that you can also arrange for alternative pickups by contacting each vendor directly.
36 E. Canal St., Newark, OH 43055
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Another of the only farmers markets still allowing in-person shopping, the Canal Market District Friday Farmers Market will continue with new social distancing protocols in place. You're encouraged to wear face masks, only send one person from each family, remain 6 feet away from other shoppers, and refrain from attending if you're feeling unwell. Staff will be limiting the number of people inside the market at any given time to prevent overcrowding and customers will move through the market on a dedicated path to streamline the process. Similar to the Granville Farmers Market, you can connect with these local vendors directly if you want to arrange other pickup options.
Grove City Town Center, 4069 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
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The Grove City Farmers Market is a 30-year long tradition that city officials don't want to disrupt. To keep the market functioning while abiding by the best health and safety practices, this market will be a prepay and pickup only market from mid-May until September. More details will be provided as the event nears its opening date of May 16th.
7370 Bell Station Rd., Circleville, OH 43113
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Similar to the Yellowbird Foodshed, the New Century CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is an organization that partners with other local farms to provide subscription-based deliveries to families throughout the Columbus area. You can sign up for a subscription and receive a box of fresh produce on your doorstep.
Fresh, locally grown food is not only healthy for your body, but it's also healthy for our local economy. By purchasing food from our Ohio farms, you fund our community during a critical time and ensure that these natural resources don't go to waste.
Where do you prefer to get your produce around Columbus? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to tell us about any other farmers markets offering pickup and delivery services that we might have missed.