Food Fort Columbus

02/24/2026

All year long, Food Fort businesses have been collecting food scraps — GoZERO Services, Food Waste Compost Courier hauls it, turns it into nutrient-rich compost, and now it’s coming back to the community to help grow more food. ♻️

GoZero’s “Tour De Compost” pre-orders are open, and ECDI Food Fort is an official pick-up location in Columbus!

📍 ECDI Food Fort: 737 Parkwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219

🗓️ Pre-order pick-up dates:
• Monday, April 20 | 10 AM–2 PM
• Friday, April 24 | 10 AM–2 PM

✅ Pre-order here: https://monkeylink.co/e62f49
Ordering for Food Fort pick-up also supports our space and the small businesses inside it. Thanks for helping us turn food waste into something beautiful. 💚

Finding locally sourced, nutrient-rich compost made from food scraps can be challenging. Figuring out ways to make it accessible can also be difficult. That's why GoZERO is partnering with local community organizations to establish community compost consignment pickup points, “pickup points” for...

02/18/2026

If you’ve ever thought…
“Is my product ready?”
“Where do I even start?”
“Am I missing something important?”

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Our CPG 101 Cohort supports early-stage food entrepreneurs with structure, guidance, and real-world insight to help you move forward with confidence.

⏰ Apply by Feb. 20 | Limited spots available → https://monkeylink.co/f03e2e

02/17/2026

From kitchen experiments to bottled bold flavor 🌶️🔥

J Mitchell's Spices & Sauces is a Columbus-based food business creating original sauces and spice blends designed to elevate everyday cooking. After years as a professional chef, Jimmy turned his signature flavors into products now reaching customers across Central Ohio.

Through Food Fort’s CPG Cohort, entrepreneurs like J Mitchell’s Spices & Sauces gain the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow beyond the recipe—learning how to strengthen their business, refine their strategy, and prepare for what’s next.

This is what building food businesses looks like.
And we’re proud to support it. 💪

👉 Explore the flavors: https://monkeylink.co/66cc90

02/17/2026

This is your sign to rethink hot sauce 🔥

Black Cap Hot Sauce is doing things differently—naturally fermented, small-batch sauces made with local ingredients and a deep commitment to sustainability. Every bottle reflects Ohio’s agricultural system, from supporting local farmers to composting food waste and using recyclable packaging.

What started as kitchen experiments has grown into a values-driven food brand you’ll find at farmers markets, partner restaurants, and limited-release “Secret Stash” drops.

This is exactly the kind of food business the Food Fort team loves to support—thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in community.

👉 Find Black Cap Hot Sauce: https://monkeylink.co/51a022

02/16/2026

Vendor applications for the 2026 Columbus Coffee Festival are now open!

We’re looking for all types of vendors to join us on October 3 & 4 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

Please complete the interest form by April 30.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhi_uFcLbOB1-mxYko5KIqz_e6IsRJKUcTp4wG9czNhkkt1g/viewform?usp=send_form

02/15/2026

This could be your story next. 🚀

Like Nora, CPG Cohort participants gain real-world insight and professional guidance that makes growing into grocery and retail feel possible. If you’re a Columbus-based food entrepreneur ready to move forward with clarity and confidence, this cohort is built for you.

⏰ Apply by Feb. 20 | Only 10 spots available → https://monkeylink.co/f03e2e

02/13/2026

One week left to apply!⏳

Applications for our CPG 101 Cohort are closing soon. This program is designed to support early-stage Columbus food entrepreneurs with hands-on guidance, structure, and a supportive community to help you move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, this is your sign.
⏰ Apply by Feb. 20 | Limited spots available → https://monkeylink.co/f03e2e

02/10/2026

On February 12, stop by the ECDI Pop-Up Market and pick up the perfect Valentine’s Day flowers—grown right here in Columbus. 🌷

Blumegeist will be bringing Valentine’s tulip bundles wrapped in festive paper, along with fresh-cut tulips and living bulbs you can keep growing at home. The flowers are grown indoors throughout the winter, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditionally imported blooms.

Shopping this way supports a local micro-flower farm and helps reduce the environmental impact of the floral industry—while still giving you something beautiful to share with someone you love.

🗓 Happening Feb 12, 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus
🎟️ Register and come shop local: https://monkeylink.co/837e5c

02/09/2026

Skip the big box rush and make it local. 🥨

Stop by Mangia at the ECDI Pop-Up Market for a Valentine’s themed treat: soft pretzels with bier cheese dipping sauce. It’s an easy win for your Valentine’s week and a great way to support Columbus small businesses.

📅 Thursday, Feb 12 | 4:30–7:30 PM
🎟️ Register here → https://monkeylink.co/837e5c

02/08/2026

One of our favorite parts about hosting our Pop-Up Market is getting to introduce the community to food businesses that are building something thoughtful and intentional. is one of those businesses.

Started by three moms, CRUNCHY RA-RA was created out of a desire to bring more fun and more nourishment back into everyday food for kids and families. They make organic, grass-fed yogurt paired with playful, clean toppings.

At the market, you’ll be able to try all four flavors and meet the makers behind the brand. It’s a great example of the kinds of small food businesses growing at Food Fort and within the ECDI community.

👉 Register for FREE: https://monkeylink.co/837e5c
📅 Thursday, Feb 12 | 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI: 1655 Old Leonard Ave. Columbus, OH

Come by, take a look around, and get a feel for what this Pop-Up Market is all about.

02/07/2026

Handcrafted treats made with care 💕

Shepard Baking Co is a cottage food bakery led by a professional pastry chef, creating thoughtful, seasonal baked goods with locally sourced ingredients and artisan partnerships. With a background in the restaurant industry, this business blends technique, creativity, and community into every bake.

Through the Food Fort, food entrepreneurs like Shepard Baking Co receive guidance, resources, and support to explore new ways to grow and expand their businesses.

Perfect timing for thoughtful treats and special orders this season. 💌
👉 Learn more or inquire about catering & custom orders: https://monkeylink.co/48c5ea

02/06/2026

Have a food idea but not sure what comes next? 🍴
Our CPG 101 Cohort is built for early-stage food entrepreneurs who want guidance, structure, and real support as they work toward launching their first product.

If you’re Columbus-based and thinking about farmers markets, retail, or bringing your idea to life, this cohort could be your next step.

👥 Small cohort (just 10 spots!)
📅 Applications close February 20
🔗 Apply here: https://monkeylink.co/f03e2e

Program Dates: March 5 – April 23
📍 ECDI Main Office