Columbus, OH — The Family, Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is proud to announce its selection as a 2025 Grow Ohio Grant awardee, securing funding to expand youth-led farm-to-table programs that empower children and strengthen food access across Central Ohio.
The Grow Ohio Grant program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, strengthens innovative local Farm to School initiatives. These efforts help children build agricultural knowledge through hands-on learning in gardening, hydroponics, food literacy programming, and collaboration with local food producers.
“We are growing more than food here. Our teens are building confidence, discovering career pathways, and learning how their skills can nourish both families and futures,” said Kori Johnson, food pillar director at FACCES. “The Grow Ohio Grant strengthens our mission to ensure that every young person sees themselves as a leader in the food system and knows they have a place in it.”
FACCES will utilize this support to expand its Food Pillar, where young people are the leaders of the food system. Through paid internships in urban farming/construction, culinary arts, marketing and entrepreneurship, youth gain real-world experience inside three unique learning environments:
• FACCES Urban Garden
• FACCES Fresh Market
• FACCES Education Kitchen
The project includes expanding garden and greenhouse capacity, growing new crops, and incorporating vertical growing systems to increase food production for the community. Interns also learn directly from local farmers, chefs, and food business professionals to explore future careers and earn valuable certifications.
On a yearly basis, FACCES serves as a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsor, ensuring youth receive nutritious meals year-round through our At-Risk Afterschool Program. This funding deepens that impact by pairing food access with agricultural education and hands-on workforce development.
FACCES is honored to be selected as a grant recipient and extends sincere appreciation to the USDA, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and our community partners. This support creates powerful opportunities for young people in our community to learn, grow, and actively participate in building strong, sustainable local food systems.
About FACCES:
The Family, Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to strengthening families through a holistic approach. Rooted in the belief that well-being fuels positive outcomes, The FACCES Way empowers children, families, and the community. By meeting individuals where they are, FACCES inspires transformative shifts in perspective, practices, and possibilities. Its five program pillars – food, physical health, mental wellness, education, and legacy development – invest in nurturing the potential of children and adolescents, igniting their passion for learning and life. For the latest news, events, and information about FACCES, please visit the website.
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