East side abandoned shopping center to become a free food bank and more come 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — An abandoned shopping center on the east side is set to become a multi-purpose resource center.

The Mid-Ohio Food Collectiveand the City of Columbus announced the new partnership Wednesday that they expect this to be a big relief for families on that side of town.

The area we’re talking about is near Eastland Mall.

Locals told WSYX it has had close to nothing in it for years, and for most who live nearby, it’s an easily accessible spot people can walk to.

Pastor Aaron Mackey, who serves that community, says this new food center is going to completely revitalize the area and change the way people live.

“To be honest with you, it looks terrible over there, but we’re glad that they’re coming up with this new plan,” Mackey said.

Mackey is a pastor with New Birth Christian Ministries, which is close to the location of where the city wants to build this new center.

He told WSYX it’s encouraging to hear about the city’s commitment to his community.

Mackey says the shopping center has been empty for years, and it’s not only become an eye sore, but the next closest supermarket isn’t for miles.

“It really is a food desert out there; if people cannot get healthy foods, there are a bunch of corner stores or dollar stores where they can get the healthier foods. How can we expect them to live a prosperous life?” Mackey added.

The City of Columbus says that’s all about to change with the “Eastland Prosperity Center.”

A new partnership between the city and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective will create a center that will offer a free food market, a community health, and other resources and programs.

“It isincumbent upon us to meet our neighbors where they are and to strengthen and empower them with resources that are tailored to their specific circumstances,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said during the unveiling of the project Wednesday morning.

Meeting people where they are is something Mackey says will change the way people live.

“We’re glad to see this investment. They’ve also been putting sidewalks in to make it safer to walk down that main strip of Refugee Road. Also, we’re a nice size church, and we try to do everything that we possibly can with as many community resources, but we’re glad that the city is now picking up the buck and helping us.”

The city of Columbus has pledged $4 million to help build the new center.

The project is expected to open in 20-26.