COLUMBUS, Ohio — A once-vacant grocery store on Refugee Road is being transformed into a future community hub for food and healthcare.

Demolition is now underway at the former Kroger site on the east side of Columbus, clearing space for what will become the Eastland Prosperity Center. This is one of the latest projects from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

“Today's a really big day because today is when the community really sees that progress move outside the building,” said Mike Hochron, senior vice president of communications for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

The organization purchased the building in 2023 and spent more than two years collaborating with residents to develop a shared vision for the space. Hochron said the community’s message was clear: families needed access to food, hea

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