Akron-Canton Airport and The Ohio State University’s Ag Innovation Center Launch Partnership to Bring Local Food to Airport

Akron-Canton Airport and The Ohio State University's Ag Innovation Center Launch Partnership to Bring Local Food to Airport

Efforts will Advance Wellness, Support Local Agriculture, and Enhance Travel Experience

GREEN, Ohio: Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is proud to announce a new partnership with The Ohio State University's Northeast Ohio Ag Innovation Center to bring locally sourced products and experiences to airport guests. The wellness-focused initiative seeks to support local producers, enhance the traveler experience, strengthen employee well-being, and celebrate Northeast Ohio's agricultural economy.

The collaboration, which began in October 2025, has quickly grown into a unique opportunity to connect Northeast Ohio agriculture with travelers, airport employees, and the broader community. Beginning this month, passengers will find locally produced items available for purchase throughout the terminal.

United Concessions Group, CAK's food and retail concessionaire, is a partner on this initiative. Helping curate the selection is Purplebrown Farm Store of Peninsula, Ohio. "We are located and truly rooted in our community. We seek to highlight, showcase, and celebrate the best of Northeast Ohio producers, and this initiative will help further that objective," said Sasha Miller, farmer and founder of Purplebrown.

Airport guests can also learn more about the people behind the products through videos accessed via QR codes. The videos introduce travelers to the farmers, artisans, and businesses that make Northeast Ohio unique.

The partnership builds on CAK's long-standing commitment to wellness. Through abundant natural light, family-friendly amenities, healthy food options, and a guest-centered approach, the airport continually works to create an environment that reduces the stress of travel and helps passengers feel welcomed and cared for.

"Travel plays an important role in overall well-being, and airports have a unique opportunity to positively influence that experience," said Lisa Dalpiaz, Vice President of Air Service and Business Development at CAK. "This partnership allows us to deepen our commitment to traveler and employee wellness while creating meaningful opportunities for local farmers, producers, and small businesses to reach new customers."

In addition to locally sourced retail offerings, the partnership will feature seasonal pop-up farmers' markets, employee wellness and education initiatives, and interactive guest experiences throughout the terminal that highlight the region's vibrant agricultural community.

Shoshanah Inwood, Director of the Northeast Ohio Ag Innovation Center based on OSU's CFAES Wooster Campus shared, "This partnership is a great example of how OSU works throughout the state to support community and economic development across our rural and urban communities. We are excited that local food has landed at CAK."

By connecting local agriculture with one of the region's primary transportation gateways, the partnership creates new opportunities for farmers and food entrepreneurs, expands market access for small businesses, and introduces travelers from across the country to the innovation, quality, and hospitality that define Northeast Ohio.

Local farm businesses whose products are featured at the airport have expressed excitement about the initiative.

"People flying into Ohio and out of Ohio will have access to products made in Ohio. And I think that will lead to a much greater customer base for us. So, we are really looking forward to this," said Thomas Lodge, founder of MidAm Mushroom and Shroomz, which produces functional mushroom drinks in Woodville, Ohio.

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About Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)

Akron-Canton Airport is committed to providing a welcoming, convenient, and stress-free travel experience for Northeast Ohio. With nonstop service to 24 destinations and hundreds of one-stops, CAK connects travelers to what matters most while supporting economic growth throughout Northeast Ohio.

About The Ohio State University's Northeast Ohio Ag Innovation Center

The Ohio State University's Northeast Ohio Agriculture Innovation Center (NEO-AIC) is a vital resource for farmers and producers looking to grow, diversify, and add value to their agricultural businesses. Launched with funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the center is helping food, fuel and fiber producers across the region expand their farms, increase profitability, while strengthening rural economies. The NEO-AIC is one of eight established USDA-supported Agriculture Innovation Centers nationwide and is distinguished as the only center focused on integrating quality of life into enterprise planning.

Media Contact

Lisa Dalpiaz

Akron-Canton Airport

Vice President of Air Service and Business Development

[email protected]

Phone: 330.499.4059