BUSINESS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | JUNE 6, 2021
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Eastmark farm helping local businesses BY MONIQUE SELEEN Tribune Contributor
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teadfast Farm planted its roots in Mesa in the master-planned community of Eastmark nearly three years ago, but has recently expanded to include a coffee trailer and farm store, both now open seven days a week. Owner Erich Schultz said the idea of integrating a farm as part of a large community is a concept that appeals to both the developer and the residents. “It’s a different type of amenity,” said Schultz. “It’s something other than golf courses and pools and it reconnects people with where their food comes from.” While only one acre in size, the farm yields an array of organic produce including salad mix, carrots, green onions, micro greens, and even bouquets of �lowers, all of which are available for purchase in its adjacent farm store. Originally, the farm store was only open on select days with limited hours, but has
Steadfast Farm owners Yvonne and Erich Schultz, left, enjoy a break with coffee trailer owners Jason and Vanessa Hopkins. The quartet branded a coffee named after the farm. (Monique Seleen/Tribune Contributor)
since transitioned to being open seven days a week for 12 hours each day, utiliz-
ing a self-serve kiosk for convenience. “We want to be a staple,” said Schultz.
“We know people are still going to go to the grocery store and we can’t provide everything, but if we are able to supply a little bit of food, we want to be a resource for the community.” Not only does the store provide fresh produce from the farm, but shoppers can also purchase products from other local business, including Queen Creek Olive Mill, Benny Blanco Tortillas, Hayden Flour Mills, Sonoran Pasta, and Proof Bread. “We’re trying to build a local economy and support other local businesses the way we want to be supported,” said Schultz. “We’re trying to tell our story but we’re also trying to tell other people’s story at the same time.” The farm also supplies salad mix and fresh herbs for the Handlebar Diner restaurant, located just steps away from the farm in the Eastmark Community. In an effort to offer another farm-based amenity, in April, Steadfast Farm part-
Mesa swim school celebrates 50 years TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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WIMkids USA celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer. Lana Whitehead “dove in” with a family-owned business on Guadalupe near the Price Road Loop 101 Freeway back in 1971 and has taught thousands of kids how to swim safely since. Across the county, 3,400 people die by drowning every year. And, according to the group Stop Drowning Now, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. In Maricopa County, an average of 14 infants 4 and younger died by drowning from 2008 to 2018. After the tragic drowning deaths of two of her friend’s children, Whitehead vowed
to dedicate her life to water safety and drowning prevention. She began experimenting with giving her infant son swim lessons, then developed a baby swim class for the YMCA. “I found that the experience of being with a baby in the water was enjoyable for both the parent and the child and that it was a wonderful bonding experience,” she said. “I discovered there are many emotional and physical bene�its when a child learns to swim.” SWIMkids USA is a unique “swim and
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Mesa-based Lana Whitehead and SWIMkids USA celebrate 50 years of teaching safe swimming this summer. (Courtesy of SWIM-
kids USA)
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