SAVE FARM ON CENTRAL
Defending Local Food Freedom • Supporting Local Jobs • Serving 3,000+ Families
-UPDATES-
Update: June 19, 2025 - 8:50 AM
BIG NEWS!!!
We have some hopeful news to share! As of this morning, Farm On Central is now allowed to partially reopen. The prosecutor’s office reviewed the Temporary Restraining Order and agreed it was too broad. As you know, to this point we were completely shut down and not allowed to sell anything. Thankfully, we’re now allowed to open our farm store and resume selling hard goods and raw vegetables.
Here’s what we can sell:
Fresh, whole vegetables (not washed or chopped)
Hard goods (jars, honey, pantry items, etc.)
What we’re still NOT allowed to sell:
Anything requiring refrigeration or washing/chopping
Meats, fish, poultry, eggs
prepared salads, dips, dressings
We are deeply hopeful that this is a step forward, and firmly believe your unwavering support through every twist and turn has made the difference.
It’s not a full victory yet, but it means our doors are open again and we get to see your smiling faces. Our shelves may look a little different this morning—especially after giving so much away yesterday—but we’re opening at 10 AM with everything we’re allowed to sell. We’d love to see you!
Your support has truly carried us through, and we’re so grateful to welcome you back. Thank you for standing with us!
Update: June 18, 2025 - 6:45 PM
FREE FARM FOOD AND THE WHIRLWIND
Today was one of the most moving days we’ve ever experienced at Farm On Central. Our PMA members—our friends and neighbors—showed up in droves and took home thousands of dollars’ worth of food, completely free, so that not a single carrot, egg, or loaf would go to waste. We watched our coolers and shelves go from full to empty, all in the spirit of community and looking out for each other.
It was beautiful, but it was also heartbreaking. This was a massive financial loss for our family and our farm team. We poured our hearts into this food, and to see it given away out of necessity, not celebration, has been tough. Still, it reminds us why we do this in the first place: to love and serve our community.
A generous member set up a donation link on this page. If you’re able to give, it would help us tremendously. If not, please know that your prayers, encouragement, and even just your kind words mean the world to us right now.
The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind. Yesterday, WDTN Channel 2 was first to share our story. Today, Fox 19 and ABC 22 both visited, and we’re humbled that an award-winning writer is picking up our story for an upcoming piece.
We’re grateful. We’re hurting. But most of all, we’re not alone—because of you. Thank you for believing in local food, community, and standing with our farm in this storm. We’ll keep updating you as things unfold.
Update: June 17, 2025 - 7:15 PM
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) Update
We want to be fully transparent with our community about the latest development in our fight to keep Farm On Central going.
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been issued against us. To be blunt, it’s not good.
Here are a few (of many) things we are dealing with because the TRO has been issued:
·First, the TRO doesn’t even name the correct entity as Farm On Central. As written, there’s confusion over what is actually restricted, and it appears we may technically still be able to operate as a Private Membership Association.
·Second, the order is extremely broad: We’re not allowed to sell any food at all—not even if you come to the farm, walk out in the field, and pick a single onion, garlic, or potato yourself. Absolutely no sales.
·Third, the irony: We’re still allowed to give food away. If this was truly about protecting public health, you’d think they would stop all food activity, but the only restriction is on selling food.
For now, our doors can be open, but we cannot sell any farm products. We know this is confusing and frustrating—for us, for our staff, and for you, our loyal members.
We’ll keep updating you as things change.
Thank you for standing with us and for local food freedom.
Update: June 17, 2025 - 10:45 AM
A SAD DAY FOR OUR COMMUNITY
The link above takes you to a video from outside the courthouse, moments after the hearing. It’s raw, and that was an emotional moment for us. Those emotions keep coming.
As of this morning, we are unable to open our doors at 10 AM as usual. All we know right now is that we must remain closed until further notice. This is a heartbreaking day for our family and our team.
The support from our community has been nothing short of extraordinary—thank you! Many of you have asked how to help. If you wish to donate, your support will be used for:
·Supporting our core team—keeping our dedicated staff financially viable. We couldn't do this without them, and caring for them is important to us.
·Legal representation—lawyers are expensive, but necessary to fight this.
Financial Transparency: We are committed to openness about any donations received. Three member-volunteers have been appointed to a board to review and approve how funds are used.
Please go to the Share the facts page to reach out to your officials
Template message to officials: “I am a member of Farm On Central. My family needs Farm On Central. We believe in the Private Membership Association model and stand behind our current operations. Thank you for standing with our family and fighting for local food freedom".
(If you depend on the farm for clean food because of a medical condition, let them know that also, and how important the farm is to you and your families health.)
Update: June 16, 2025 - 12:03 PM
WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO COURT!!
We greatly appreciate your prayers and support for our farm and our family during this time.
Quick Details:
Warren County officials have filed for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and injunctions against us, claiming we’re operating as a retail food establishment like McDonald’s or Kroger.
As a Private Membership Association (PMA), protected under the 1st and 14th Amendments, we serve only our 3,000+ members—like you—with chemical-free food.
We believe the county’s investigation is flawed, alleging:
·Possible fraud in gathering “evidence”.
·Notice on Saturday 6/14, for a hearing on Monday, 6/16/25.
·Threats to our mortgage company, risking our home.
·Misinformation and withheld details critical to our case.
These actions could shut our doors, halt our fields, and cut off your trusted food source. We’ve retained legal counsel to fight back, but we need your help to protect food freedom.
Address: 500 Justice Way, Lebanon, OH Room D
Bring a sign and wear your Farm On Central T-shirts if you have one.
We ask that everyone who attends please be respectful, but if asked to be interviewed by the Media, share how important Farm On Central is to your family's well being.
P.S. A lot of folks have been asking if this is real. The answer to that question is, unfortunately, this is really happening.
Update: June 14, 2025 - 2:30 PM
Where we stand:
Last week, we were honored with an award from Warren County Foundation. This week, we’re fighting to keep our farm—and our home—intact.
Warren County officials have filed in court against us, and we are still learning what it all means for our future. We’re currently working to have a hearing dismissed due to improper notice that was set for Monday, 6/16/25.
But the truth is: we don’t know what next week holds. For now, we are open—but things could be brought to a sudden stop.
We’re being as transparent as possible because you, our community, deserve that. We know that the Farm On Central has been a part of your family's life, we deeply appreciate your support during this critical time.
We will continue to keep you updated ASAP with what is going on.
Next 48 Hours are Critical:
If we are unable to have the hearing moved, we ask that you plan to join us at the courthouse Monday, June 16th at 1:00 PM. Your presence could save our farm, our home, and 24+ local jobs.
Address: 500 Justice Way, Lebanon, OH Room D
Bring a sign and wear your Farm On Central T-shirts if you have one.
We ask that everyone who attends please be respectful, but if asked to be interviewed by the Media, share how important Farm On Central is to your family's well being.
The Facts...
Have you read the court documents?
More than we care to admit! The problem with the court documents is that they include some major factual errors and misinformation. Our team is working hard to make sure the proper people in power understand where they are incorrect, but it has been challenging to this point.
How many years have you been open?
We have been open for 5 years, running safely with not a single issue reported to the Warren County Health Department.
How many recalls or illness complaints have you had?
None!!! We love the people we serve and take pride in offering them the best.
How many people do you serve?
We are blessed to have over 3,000 members in our Private Membership Association.
How many people will be affected if you are forced to shut down?
We have currently employed 24 people at Farm On Central. We also carry several local vendors who will also feel the impact of our closing.
What about pre-orders (like Peaches)?
We had to wait until we were given permission, but now we are able to fulfill all peach orders as originally expected. If you have ordered peaches, we will be in contact once they arrive. Stay tuned!
2025
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