Good afternoon friends,
I wish I weren't writing this but I felt called to share this for reasons I'm sure will soon make sense.
A very dear local farm right here in the Dayton area (Farm on Central) is under attack with local officials. Warren County has come after them with a restraining order, demanding they close their doors because they are “operating as a food retailer like Kroger or McDonalds.” I can assure you, they are nothing like these two businesses.
The county has been sitting on this for a couple months, and then after they received a Warren Co business award, they launched this after them.
Unfortunately, after a court hearing yesterday, the judge ruled in favor of the TRO and their business is shut down until further notice!
This is so disheartening, as a fellow local farm owner here. I can attest to the fact that the County/State/Government officials are not in favor of small farm businesses. We have personally experience being reported on with letters from the health department as well.
Reminder: Farm on Central has done NOTHING wrong. They are operating legally, with a PMA (private membership association) and this is how they sell their food to over 3,000 members. These members who rely on their clean, organic food, are now closed off with no access.
Additionally, Farm on Central has 25 employees on the farm who rely on this income solely. They ALL need your support!
Here are some ways you can help:
Reach out to your local officials. Warren County Healthy Department for starters, as well as many other state reps. A list can be found on their website savefarmoncentral.com
Consider donating. They not only have legal fees to pay, but again, 25 employees who depend on this job full time.
Share this story! Head to their website, facebook page, or instagram and share this story. The more eyes that can see it the better. They need our support!
Finally, be thinking and praying for the Kilpatricks. Savannah and Michael are friends of ours, and we pick the most delicious strawberries there every year. In fact, we were just there two weeks ago (see photos below). Their farm is gorgeous, organic, and produces MUCH wholesome food for the community. Seeing them shut down is just so saddening.
Again, follow their website for updates, and consider supporting them in any way you can.
We are with you, Farm on Central!
www.savefarmoncentral.com
