Tikkun Farm
Tikkun Farm is a 3.5-acre urban farm and nonprofit in the heart of Mt. Healthy, Cincinnati. The name "Tikkun" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "repair" or "restore," and that spirit shows in everything they do — from feeding families to hosting retreats, yoga classes, and community events. They welcome more than 45,000 people a year to their Free Market pantry alone. The farm is home to chickens, alpacas, turkeys, and other animals, along with raised garden beds, a greenhouse, and composting areas. Whether you come for food, to volunteer, or just to visit, you'll find a warm and welcoming community.
Who Can Visit?
Everyone is welcome at Tikkun Farm. The Free Market is open to anyone in need of food support — no proof of income is required. First-time visitors simply provide an ID and answer a few questions when they arrive.
How to Register?
You don't need to pre-register to visit the Free Market. When it's your turn to shop, a volunteer at the desk will take your ID and, if you're not already in the system, ask you a few quick questions to get you set up.
How Often You Can Visit?
The Free Market is open multiple times a week. You are welcome to come every time it is open. You are encouraged to take as much as your family will use, keeping in mind that other families also need support.
Good to Know
- Arrive about 15 minutes before the distribution start time (around 12:45 PM) at Hilltop Plaza (8200 Hamilton Ave). Look for the green Tikkun Farm flag by the second light post on the left as you enter the parking lot.
- A volunteer will come to your car and hand you a laminated card with a number — that's your place in line.
- When your number is called, drive to the farm on Elizabeth Street to shop.
- Bring reusable bags or shopping bags. Boxes are available at the farm, but bags make it easier.
- Getting there early gives you access to a wider variety of items. Arriving later in the queue may mean a smaller selection.
- Workers are available inside to help you with the refrigerator and freezer sections.
Food & Essentials
Tikkun Farm's Free Market is part of their Nourishing Families program. You can shop for a variety of items including fresh produce, certain meats, and bread. Many of the fruits and vegetables are farm-fresh, grown right on the property. Past visitors have received items like apples, radishes, sweet potatoes, and yellow onions.
The farm also partners with organizations like The Free Store Foodbank, UDF, Matthew 25 Ministries, and La Soupe to reduce food waste and bring more variety to the community.
On some Sundays and Mondays, volunteers deliver crockpot meal kits to families who need them.
How to Pick Up
The Free Market operates as a choice pantry — you walk through and pick what you need. Here's how it works:
- Go to Hilltop Plaza (8200 Hamilton Ave) before the market opens. Park by the green Tikkun Farm flag.
- A volunteer will bring a numbered card to your car. This is your place in line.
- When it's your turn, drive to 7941 Elizabeth St and enter the Free Market.
- Hand your card to the volunteer at the desk and show your ID.
- Walk through and choose what your family needs. Staff are on hand to help.
Free Market Hours:
- Fridays: 1:00–4:00 PM
- Saturdays: 1:00–2:00 PM
Hours may change around holidays, so it's a good idea to check ahead.
Additional Support
Beyond the Free Market, Tikkun Farm offers a wide range of programs for the community:
- Crockpot meal kit deliveries — Volunteers deliver hot meal kits on some Sundays and Mondays.
- Family & Youth programs — After-school programs, summer camps, and activities for kids.
- Job Training — Opportunities for young people to build work skills.
- Healing Arts — Classes and experiences focused on personal wellness.
- Yoga classes — Open to the community.
- Workshops & Retreats — Spiritual and reflective experiences for groups.
- Special Events — Including Christmas services, solstice celebrations, and more.
Facilities
Tikkun Farm sits on 3.5 acres and includes:
- A Free Market (food pantry)
- Raised garden beds and a learning lab
- A greenhouse
- Composting areas
- A barn and paddocks with farm animals (alpacas, chickens, turkeys, and more)
- A fire circle
- A coffee roastery
- Lodging available through Airbnb
The farm is also available for group tours, days of service, corporate retreats, and school intersessions.
Ways to Give
Tikkun Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that depends on donations to keep running. Your gift helps cover everyday costs like staff, utilities, and supplies that grants don't always cover.
You can donate online at: tikkunfarm.networkforgood.com
For questions, reach out by phone at 513-570-6860 or email care@tikkunfarm.com.
How to Join the Team?
Tikkun Farm is a volunteer-run organization with more than 200 active volunteers every week. Whether you have two hours a month or two hours a week, there's a place for you. Many people who first visited the Free Market later became volunteers — it's a community where everyone both gives and receives.
Volunteer Days happen twice a month:
- First Saturday of the month: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (General Volunteer Day)
- Third Saturday of the month: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Multi-Faith Volunteer Day)
Sign up by noon the Friday before. Groups are welcome — one person can sign up for the whole group.
When you arrive for a Volunteer Day, come down the driveway to the back parking lot. Fresh baked goodies will be waiting for you at the fire circle.
Areas you can serve:
- Creation Care — Garden and environmental projects
- Facilities Care — Building and maintenance
- Animal Care — Caring for the farm animals
- Hospitality Care — Welcoming guests, baking, hospitality
- Nourishing Care — Free Market operations, food prep, meal kit assembly
You can also volunteer from home — chopping vegetables, preparing spice kits, or fostering baby chicks.
To get started, fill out a Volunteer Profile on their website or contact them:
- Phone: 513-570-6860
- Email: care@tikkunfarm.com
- Website: tikkunfarm.com