In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, a once neglected area known as the “Forgotten Triangle” has undergone a remarkable transformation. A former notorious dump site is now a thriving urban oasis thanks to Rid-All Green Partnership.
The journey from disorder to bountiful campus is a testament to the power of community and key relationships; including a continued partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America.
A Dream Made Real
Rid-All's story begins with three childhood friends — Keymah Durden, Damien Forche and Randy McShepard. While all founding members, inspiration for the farm came from Damian. Moved by the food desert conditions he witnessed working in public housing, he envisioned a space that would bring healthy food to the community, leading to the creation of the urban farm.
Starting with just 1.3 acres, Rid-All has grown into a 26-acre vibrant campus. Serving as a community hub, educational center and source of healing.
Having passed in 2018, the Rid-All team expresses the honor they feel in keeping Damien’s vision alive.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
Farm Credit Mid-America's relationship with Rid-All is more than a monetary transaction; it's a shared commitment to building a better future through agriculture. The customer-owned cooperative first supported the Ohio based non-profit’s Gardening for Greenbacks initiative in 2016.
This initial grant recognized the organizations’ pioneering role in the urban agriculture space and helped reinvest in the surrounding neighborhood. The partnership was further solidified in 2022 supporting Rid-All’s Victory Garden; a free therapeutic and agricultural program designed for military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Providing both a space to heal and the chance to explore a new career in agriculture,
David "Dr. Greenhand" Hester, veteran and co-founder of the Victory Garden, shared, “the garden acts as an oasis where to relax and talk about their experiences; helping to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.”
The Victory Garden supported by Farm Credit Mid-America acts as an oasis where to relax and talk about their experiences; helping to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
– David "Dr. Greenhand" Hester, Co-founder of the Victory Garden
Farm Credit Mid-America doubled their annual support in 2023 to $50,000, reflecting the profound impact the Association saw in the local community.
Regeneration Beyond the Soil
Rid-All's philosophy is centered on regenerative agriculture. Co-founder Keymah Durden shared, “while sustainability aims to maintain the status quo, regeneration seeks to leave things better than they were found.”
This philosophy is most evident in their innovative composting system. Rid-All diverts thousands of pounds of food waste from landfills each week, turning it into a nutrient-rich, signature product they call "black gold." This compost not only enriches the soil for their crops but also generates another income stream.
This metaphor for composting extends to Rid-All’s social mission. Just as forgotten waste is transformed into valuable soil, the team believes that communities and individuals who have been discarded can be regenerated and find new purpose.
Seen first-hand in their work with veterans, youth employment programs and broader efforts to uplift the community. With support of partners like Farm Credit Mid-America, Rid-All is not just growing food; the urban farm is cultivating hope, healing and a new generation of agricultural leaders.
Without the support of Farm Credit Mid-America, we would not have been able to scale that program like it is today.
– Keymah Durden, Co-founder of Rid-All Green Partnership
The once “Forgotten Triangle” has become a symbol of what’s possible when a community regenerates its environment and its people.
Visit our Community Investments page to learn more about our impact on agriculture and rural communities across our territory.
