Abandoned mall on east side to be converted into free food bank, with more to come in 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 Collective and the City of Columbus announced the new partnership Wednesday and expect it to be a huge relief for families in this part of the city.

The area we are talking about is near Eastland Mall.

Locals told WSYX that there hasn’t been much of anything there in years and that for most who live nearby, it’s an easily accessible place for people to walk to.

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

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

Mackey is a pastor at New Birth Christian Ministries, which is near where the city plans to build this new center.

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

Mackey says the mall has been empty for years and not only has it become a sight for sore eyes, but the nearest supermarket is miles away.

“It really is a food desert out there. If people can’t get healthy foods, there are a number of corner stores or dollar stores where they can get the healthier foods. “How can we expect them to live wealthy lives?” Mackey added.

The city of Columbus says that will change with the Eastland Prosperity Center.

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

“It is our job to meet our neighbors where they are and strengthen and empower them with resources tailored to their specific circumstances,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said in unveiling the project Wednesday morning.

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

“We are pleased about this investment. They have also installed sidewalks to make walking on the main strip of Refugee Road safer. Plus, we’re a nice big church and we try to do everything we do. “It’s possible with as many community resources as possible, but we’re glad the city is now taking responsibility and helping us.”

The city of Columbus has committed $4 million to the construction of the new center.

The project is expected to open in 20-26.