Local business provides groceries to Perry, KS

PERRY, Kan. (WIBW) – The Gantz sisters had a problem. They wanted to create a place where they could sell their sweet corn and other produce.

“We needed a place in the air conditioning that was a little more climate-controlled, a little more shop-friendly,” said Emma Jenks, one of the sisters. “The idea just snowballed from there. We just knew a lot of people in the area, and everyone just pitched together and made it happen.”

This community groundswell made Perry Farm to Fork a possibility. This small business acts as a storefront for local farmers, making it possible for them to sell their meat and produce to Perry.

“We started with about five vendors, and I think we are up to twelve now,” said Jenks. “So once it got going, people kind of saw what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it. And we took them in with open arms.”

Since its inception, Perry Farm to Fork has fostered a space of community and learning.

“Everyone always comes in and asks questions, and it’s always a pleasure of ours to teach people where their food comes from, as well as ways to store it and cook it,” said Ella Gantz. “Honestly, don’t be afraid to ask us a question, even if you think that it’s just a small question you should know that we’re always happy to help.”

A business like this is important in the small town of Perry, which hasn’t had a grocery store in years.

“Probably the last five or ten years, we haven’t had a grocery store,” said Jenks. “So you’ve had to go to either Topeka or Lawrence or a bigger town and navigate your way around that, where here, it’s a simple little shop where you can walk in and we’ll greet you, show you where everything is.”

The Gantz family has filled an important niche in Perry, one they serve with a smile on their faces.

A lot of people in the community know us. So everybody is like, ‘Oh, we know the Gantz girls!’ So, that’s been really fun too, to see people support us,” said Morgan Gleason, the third Gantz sister.

Perry Farm to Fork will be at The Perry Pride Fall Festival on September 14th in Downtown Perry. They will promote their business and have a ‘Meet Your Farmer’ event as well. You can learn more about Perry Farm to Fork on their Facebook page.

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