Urban GEMS Greens

OSU Urban GEMS operates in Columbus, Ohio, and has established indoor farms at various community locations, including Family Missionary Baptist Church, the Millennium Community School, the Urban GEMS Parsons farm, South High School, and the Ohio State University. The program focuses on providing opportunities for inner-city youth through gardening and related educational activities.

The program grows a variety of fresh leafy greens and herbs at two indoor farms, emphasizing hands-on learning in science, nutrition, and sustainable resource management. The gardening practices are designed to be educational, teaching youth about the entire process from planting to harvesting, and the importance of sustainable resource use.

All sales proceeds from the produce go back into creating more opportunities for inner-city youth. The program also offers a CSA, providing fresh leafy greens and herbs grown by the participating youth.