Helping coordinate Circular Food Systems in our neighborhoods and cities.
Ancient and innovative agricultural practices have converged to offer communities a resilient solution for growing fresh local foods. The combination of sustainable crop production strategies allows us to develop thriving gardens, equitable food access, and healthy communities.
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Our mission is to coordinate circular food systems in our neighborhoods and cities. We do this by growing meaningful partnerships with our stakeholders, partners, community members, employees, vendors, and ecosystem.
OUR STORY
The Urban Farming Initiative (UFI) started as a community project in 2020 led by a collective of Cincinnati innovators looking to support the access of hyper-local agriculture. UFI took shape at the Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub’s Sustainable 2020 Cincy program, formed as an LLC by co-founder Kevin Mackey.
Co-founders Kevin Mackey and Ben Booker met in 2024, colliding on a shared vision for a more sustainable food system and built environment. We found our footing in a mission to help organize and coordinate a circular food system. With the first launch of Urban Farming Initiative community projects in 2025, UFI stewards 2+ acres of sustainable greenspaces in the Cincinnati, Ohio region.
Kevin Mackey, Co-founder and Board President, is an experienced entrepreneur and operator who has been building businesses and communities in the Cincinnati ecosystem since 2008. His previous endeavors have raised more than $100MM in capital. Through his time as a multiple time founder and executive, Mackey has extensive experience in hiring, building, and coaching high performing teams. His most recent ventures have included Coterie Insurance and Halcyon Salsa, founded in 2018, based out of the Incubator Kitchen Collective in Northern Kentucky, and sold out of nine different markets in the Greater Cincinnati area.
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Ben Booker, Co-founder and Executive Director, is a recent Business and Agriculture graduate from the University of Cincinnati. Through 5+ years of research and working he has supported the design, implementation, optimization, and growth of urban agriculture and food access programs for organizations and their communities. Prior to his role at UFI, he co-founded and led Net Impact UC, a non-profit chapter dedicated to mobilizing the next generation of leaders to advance a sustainable economy in Cincinnati.
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