Over the last three years, BUILD awardees have been building community power and changing systems to create healthier neighborhoods. This story features the Central Kinsman Wellness Collective in Cleveland, OH.
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The Central Kinsman Wellness Collective is committed to bringing fresh, healthy food to predominantly Black neighborhoods on the east side of Cleveland. With the loss of the area’s last grocery store in 2019, residents faced decreased access to healthy foods and a greater risk of diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers.
In response, CKWC partners came together to design and pilot a healthy food Farm Stop with fresh, locally-grown produce. They are continuing to work toward a permanent, year-round Farm Stop to build community ownership, transform the area’s food system, and make healthy food accessible to residents.
Over the past three years, the collaborative has:
- Developed and piloted a community-owned business model to make fresh, health food available to neighborhood residents;
- Strengthened partnerships with urban food producers in Cleveland;
- And centered community leadership through intentional decision-making processes and investment in personal leadership development.
Read about the BUILD Cleveland initiative, and learn more.
“It’s not just about getting food in a place. This really is about history, it’s about culture, it’s about belonging, it’s about connection.”
In honor of BUILD’s tenth anniversary in 2025, we interviewed the Cleveland partners. Listen to their story of a decade of impactful, community-centered partnership.
