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    Kingdom Fish: Hooking Up Columbus With Local Fish Since 2007

    Kingdom Fish is a unique addition to the farmers market scene in Central Ohio. Rarely do you see fresh, local fish in the land-locked city capital more known for fields of corn than rows of fishing docks. But, that’s exactly what you can find at Kingdom Fish’s market stand four days a week around Central Ohio. For 15 years, the family behind Kingdom Fish has been serving up fresh and local tilapia to the area’s foodies, market customers and restaurants.

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    In 2007, Don and Lisa Jones started Kingdom Fish on their farm located northwest of Columbus. The Jones’ serve multiple restaurants in Bellefontaine, including The Flying Pepper Cantina and Don’s Downtown Diner, and provide on-farm sales to local, Logan County customers.

    “While we love and appreciate our loyal customers, we love being part of the Columbus food scene,” said Don. “Each market is different, but all have the common thread of fresh, healthy, all-natural food.”

    Kingdom Fish is a farmers market staple at six markets in Central Ohio. They will offer both locally raised tilapia and seasonal vegetables at the Hilliard Farm Market, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Farmers Market (produce only), Upper Arlington Farmers Market, Bexley Farmers Market, Worthington Farmers Market and Clintonville Farmers Market this season. For the plant parents in Columbus, you can also ask about their all-natural plant food (where all the fish poo goes!) and pet treats.

    The Jones’ family has roots in farming. Don said, “I’m a retired fireman from the City of Bellefontaine. As a firefighter, we work 24-hour shifts, leaving 48 hours off duty. Every firefighter has an off-duty gig. I’m a farmer, always have been, and continued to farm after retirement.

    “My family has always been farmers, but we didn’t start raising fish until 2005. With a vision and strength from God, we started into a very unknown venture of raising tilapia. With no idea of what we were doing, we cut the tops off old fertilizer tanks, cleaned them out, filled them with water, and ordered tilapia fry off the internet…and so we got started! Little did we know or even hope that all these years later, we would make a humble living raising fish!”

    Photo provided by Kingdom Fish

    Don is passionate about his farm and his faith.

    “Our faith is the most important aspect of our lives,” Don said. “As Christians, it is important to us to be good stewards of what God has given us. And to treat everyone of all faiths, race, nationalities, creeds with respect and dignity and love that comes with being in the Kingdom of God, thus…Kingdom Fish/Kingdom Farms.”

    Kingdom Fish’s tilapia is always popular at farmers markets, along with their in-season vegetables. It’s an easy, one-stop shop for a quick, delicious and healthy dinner, including fish tacos.

    “The highlight of our experience without question is having customers come back to us and tell us how much they enjoyed our fish [and] vegetables,” said Don. “It means a lot to us to know that our hard work means so much to other people! It is always fun to have customers share recipes with us. For example, who knew there so many ways to make a fish taco! Everyone is different, but we haven’t tasted one we didn’t like!”

    With passion and faith, the Jones’ hope to continue to grow and serve the Central Ohio community.

    “This year we started a CSA,” Don shared. “Small but mighty with 10 members! We look forward to expanding that in the near future. As for the farm itself, we are about where we want to be after 15 years of growth. We would ask the good folks of Columbus to come see us at one of our markets and try our products.”

    More information on why fresh, local tilapia are a smart, healthy choice as compared to store bought is showcased on Kingdom Fish’s website, along with how to order and their market schedule.

    For more information, visit kingdomfish.com.

    Photo provided by Kingdom Fish
    Photo provided by Kingdom Fish
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    Katie Sorokas
    Katie Sorokas
    Katie Sorokas is a freelance writer for Columbus Underground. She focuses on gift guides highlighting women-owned and people-of-color-owned businesses and community topics. Katie also writes at Realistically Aspirational, where she celebrates mamas chasing their dreams, uses public health theory to manifest goals, and shares adventures with her two little boys. Katie has a BA in Women's Studies (OSU), Master of Public Health (OSU), and PhD in Health Education (Kent State University).
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