In September 2021, Community Development for All People, a CDC based in Columbus’s Southside, opened the Linden Fresh Market. 

One year later, Community Development for All People (CD4AP) transferred responsibility for operations to a Linden-based CDC, Community of Caring Development Foundation.

The Linden Fresh Market, based in South Linden, distributes free fresh food to neighbors in a grocery-store like setting.

CD4AP, which had experience running a similar Market on Columbus’s Southside, opened and initially operated the Linden Market.  But the Southside Market and CD4AP’s primary service area is 4 miles south of Linden.

When CD4AP agreed to operate the Linden Market, they did so while also making a commitment to transfer operations to a Linden-based nonprofit as soon as it could: promises made.

On September 28, 2022, investment partners, residents, and the Director of Neighborhoods for the City of Columbus, Carla Williams-Scott, witnessed CD4AP transfer operations to Community of Caring Development Foundation: promises delivered.

The event was brief, but meaningful.  Most meaningful was the very real demonstration of collaboration and partnership. 

These two nonprofits had figured out how to deploy their unique talents and connections to collaborate, putting the Linden community first.  As a result of this successful collaboration, multi-year funding commitments made by original investors, such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the City of Columbus, will continue to stand under the new operator.  The role of the Market as a community hub will continue and potentially expand.  And residents in Linden will continue to access fresh food from an organization whose board is comprised of residents and stakeholders.

We wish Community of Caring and the Linden Market the best of luck as they take over operations!