Reeb Avenue Community Center sits in the middle of one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in central Ohio.

Reeb Avenue Community Center sits in the middle of one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in central Ohio.

“We do know that one in four children in the community are considered food insecure, which means they don't know where their next meal is coming from,” Marilyn Tomasi, vice president of marketing and communications for Mid-Ohio Food Bank, said.

However, the building’s surrounding gives no indication to the abundance of food and resources offered inside to families in need.

“The quality of food really is second to none,” Tomasi said.

The non-profit runs South Side Roots Café and Market inside of the community center. It’s a restaurant and grocery store offering healthy food for sale.

“We are really trying hard to make sure that folks who can't afford to buy it can get access to decent, healthy, tasty food,” Tomasi said.

The market offers pre-made meals, along with fresh fruit and vegetables. The café serves sandwiches, smoothies and entrees including salmon, chicken and pasta.

Vivian Crowder is one of several people who work at the center and often eats her lunch or dinner in the café.

“It lifts up the hearts of the community,” Crowder said. “I love it. I really love it!”

Food for both the café and the market is provided by the Mid-Ohio Food Bank at a low cost. However, if clients are unable to pay for their meals in the restaurant, they have the option to pay-it-forward.

“If they cannot afford their meal, we provide one for them and we ask them to volunteer,” Tomasi said.

Thanks to the work of South Side Roots Café and Market 91 percent of its customers reported consuming fruits and vegetables four to six times per week or more.