Ben and Lisa Sippel Family Farm

16 years ago, Ben and Lisa Sippel began their journey as first generation small farmers, providing local, sustainable and organic produce, meat and cheese. As a young couple of 23 years old, they built their farm in Mount Gilead Ohio from the ground up with the two of them (mostly Ben) contributing the love, sweat and tears it takes to grow produce and steward sheep and pigs. TheSippel Family Farm was their dream.  
 
In 2015, Ben was diagnosed with melanoma. A year later, after they were told there was no sign of the cancer, it was found that the cancer was back as stage 4 melanoma. While in treatment the past several years, Ben has been in a significant amount of physical pain. Since 2015, Ben has had 6 different cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. 
 
This year (2019) it has become more and more difficult to keep Ben’s cancer from progressing. This has left Ben without the strength or energy to do any of the work required for the Sippel family farm to thrive and grow produce. In fact, two months ago was the first time Ben has missed a farmer’s market in the past 16 years - even on their wedding day they were harvesting produce and distributing CSA shares. 
 
Ben and his family have contributed significantly to the local food community in and around central Ohio.  At this moment the biggest concern for the Sippel family is losing the farm. Without the sales from produce grown on the farm, paying the mortgage for the farm is nearly impossible. 
 
The Clintonville and  Worthington Farmers Market , our broad community of friends, family and local food lovers can make a difference. Please give what you can, organize a dinner, set up a community event or something we haven't even thought of to give back to the Sippel family.  Their years of love and support have given thousands of people joy, health and wellness via the food they have grown.
 
Please keep the Sippel family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this challenging time.