Food Dance Takes Farm-to-Table to the Next Level

For over 18 years, Food Dance has touted their commitment to farm-to-table freshness. They are now prepared to put their pitchfork where their mouth is.

Food Dance is partnering with local farmers, Mark Schieber & Misty Klotz, to start a collaboration of businesses that further support locally-produced foods that will make their way onto Food Dance’s menu. The first of these partnerships is a small-scale farm, hopefully in the Kalamazoo area.

“Hopefully” because the first step is finding good, tillable 20-40 acres to farm.

“Ideally, we’re looking for a farmer or land owner who wants to see their land continue to be farmed or returned to agriculture,” says Julie Stanley, owner of Food Dance, “This could be an active farm or fallow fields that can be returned to active use.”

Julie, Mark and Misty are hoping to get the word out to these potential farmers and land owners to talk about creating a sustainable food source.

“It’s important for us to identify some potential individuals and talk to them about our vision of fresh, local food,” says Schieber, “We’re fully committed to sustaining the land, the community and the farm as a business.”

Education is a key component of the venture. Stanley says there are plans for an Edible Schoolyard children’s program to teach kids about farming and where food comes from. There will also be adult agriculture and cooking classes as well as a CSA (crop sharing) program for local residents to benefit from the bounty. Luckily, the food experts at Food Dance will have great cooking tips and recipes to share with all participants.

“We want to stress how locally-produced foods help to sustain our community,” says Stanley, “Not only is it important, but it’s fascinating to see the food cycle – from seeds to a completely-prepared meal.”

Farmers or landowners interested in discussing the opportunity are encouraged to contact Julie Stanley at 269-382-1888.

For more information about Food Dance and their commitment to local, sustainable agriculture, visit www.fooddance.net.