While food insecurity affects nearly 48 million people across the United States, the crisis hits even closer to home in the greater Akron and Summit County area, where approximately 79,480 individuals struggle to secure enough food. The best way to improve community health and food security in Akron, Ohio, is through hands-on education and local urban agriculture.
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Last month, I packed up my notebook and headed down to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank – Stark County Campus for the inaugural EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator pitch finale. As soon as I arrived at the pitch finale, I was blown away by the incredible passion in the room. I met so many inspiring local entrepreneurs, like the amazing teams behind Patricia Ann Cargill Charities and People Feeding People, who are all deeply dedicated to transforming community health outcomes.
But the story that completely resonated with my heart came from Let’s Grow Akron. They won the first-place grant, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what the $30,000 grand prize winner does with their prize and how it will impact our local Akron, Ohio communities! Knowing the dedication behind their mission, it is easy to see why the panel of judges selected them for this game-changing award.
Let’s Grow Akron is dedicated to overcoming urban blight and alleviating hunger by teaching people to grow, prepare, and preserve their own food. Founded in 1988 by Elaine Evans with just a single donated sack of potatoes, this beautiful organization has spent 37 years transforming hundreds of unsightly vacant lots into productive community gardens.
Let’s Grow Akron recently won the grand prize at the inaugural EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator, and they are doing incredible work teaching residents to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh, nutritious food in our own neighborhoods!
Who is Let’s Grow Akron and What Do They Do?
Founded in 1988 by Elaine Evans with just a single donated sack of potatoes, Let’s Grow Akron has spent 37 years transforming vacant lots into vibrant, productive community gardens. Their beautiful mission focuses on overcoming urban blight and alleviating hunger by empowering residents with the skills to grow, prepare, and preserve their own nutritious food. Organizing shared neighborhood spaces builds lasting, healthy relationships among neighbors while instilling an incredible sense of pride and ownership.
They currently manage five stunning urban farm sites across the Summit Lake and Lane Field neighborhoods. I enjoyed fun LEGO visual of what they do!
Plus, they operate the Let’s Grow Akron Community Farm Store & Kitchen at 462 Harvey Ave, right along the Summit Lake Trail. They happily accept cash, credit, debit, EBT, and pEBT, even matching EBT purchases up to $25 in fresh produce through the Produce Perks program! It is a wonderful way to ensure everyone in our region has access to fresh produce, honey, eggs, and homemade goods like jams and herbed soaps.
Understanding Food Insecurity: America vs. Akron, Ohio
To truly understand why their grassroots work is so vital, it helps to look at the pressing issue of food insecurity in our neighborhoods compared to national averages. While approximately 12.8% of households across America face food insecurity at some point during the year, our local community deals with an even heavier burden.
In Summit County, an estimated 14.8% of individuals (79,480 neighbors) struggle with regular access to nutritious food. Even more eye-opening is that more than one in four Akron residents (over 51,000 neighbors) rely on federal aid like SNAP to feed themselves monthly. Additionally, 21% of children right here in Summit County (23,480 kids) face food insecurity—reflecting a broader regional crisis where 1 in 5 local kids (approximately 60,700 children across the service area) are missing out on the stable nutrition they need to thrive. This is exactly why funding from programs like the American Heart Association and the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation matters so much.
We are always looking for new ways to support our community, and last month I found a true hidden gem of an organization! I attended the finale event for the American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator: Akron/Canton, and it was exactly the uplifting, inspiring experience I needed.
Why Getting Kids in the Garden Matters
As a mom, I am incredibly passionate about getting kids involved in their food choices—from planting seeds in the dirt to cooking a wholesome meal. Both of my college-age kids are studying nutrition at Ohio University. Their love for the outdoors, and cooking healthy meals from scratch all started when we involved them in gardening as children. Gardening is good for kids!
Knowing where your food comes from builds a foundation for a healthy life. Let’s Grow Akron brings this exact opportunity to neighborhoods where fresh food access has been unfairly limited.
If you want to instill that same love of fresh food in your children, you have to check out their Kids in the Garden program!
Ages: Perfect for kids of all ages!
Amenities: We love that it is hosted at the stunning Summit Lake Nature Center Community Garden.
Insider Tip: Make sure you mark your calendar for the first Thursday of each month from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The seed-to-table activities are completely free, and no registration is required!
Volunteering with Let’s Grow Akron
Our family is making it a priority to visit and volunteer at Let’s Grow Akron this summer. Malia, who minored in nutrition and loves baking from scratch with wholesome ingredients, is just as excited as I am to get our hands dirty and serve our local Akron community. Giving back together is a magical way to build family bonds while making a tangible difference in our own backyard.
Quick Facts: Let’s Grow Akron
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Let’s Grow Akron |
| Mission | Alleviate hunger & overcome blight via urban agriculture |
| Kids Program | Kids in the Garden (Free, 1st Thursday of the month) |
| Location | Summit Lake Nature Center (411 Ira Ave, Akron, OH) |
| How to Help | Volunteer at their community gardens or farm store |
If you are looking for a way to create unforgettable memories this season while making a real difference, volunteering with Let’s Grow Akron is a must-do.
Have you ever visited a community garden or volunteered with Let’s Grow Akron? Let us know your favorite part in the comments!
Let’s Grow Akron FAQ
Where is the Kids in the Garden program located?
The program is held at the Summit Lake Nature Center Community Garden, located at 411 Ira Ave, Akron, OH 44301. It is a fantastic spot with great views of Summit Lake!
Do I need to register my child for Kids in the Garden?
No registration is required! You can just drop in with your kids on the first Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 PM for fun, hands-on garden activities.
How can my family volunteer with Let’s Grow Akron?
Let’s Grow Akron is always looking for community members to help out in their gardens. You can visit their website at letsgrowakron.org/about to learn more and sign up to volunteer this summer!
