Get Involved

Making more local possible.
ValleyHUB Tours

Tours

The outdoor gardens at the Food Innovation Center are open to the public, and we welcome visitors to enjoy a walk on our paths or a rest on our benches.

We also offer regular free tours to the community.

Check our events page for upcoming dates.

Education

We strive to create flexible, relevant programs that provide necessary employment skills and also help to drive sustainability and innovation in our food system.

Academic Programs

Current introductory courses in the Agrifood (AGF) department fulfill degree requirements for students in KalamazooVALLEY’s Culinary Arts & Sustainable Food Systems and Sustainable Brewing programs. Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems and Agrifoods & Processing are taught at the Food Innovation Center and use ValleyHUB as a lab space.

A new program is in development (expected launch Winter 2023) in Sustainable Horticulture. This program will include noncredit offerings as well as a certificate/degree curriculum.

Community Courses

We offer all community members an affordable and fun way to gain skills and knowledge through our Life Enrichment courses. These classes are created and offered based on community demand.

Visit our Events page for a description of courses we typically offer at the Food Innovation Center and see the KalamazooVALLEY Community Programs Page for a full listing of currently available classes in all subject areas.

Community Events & Service

Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium

To support a community culture that values food and connection to the land, we engage in community outreach and programming. The Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium is a free public event in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and a number of community partners.

Common Ground Community Garden Network

We have supported the Common Ground Community Garden Network with plant starts and garden tours, and will build out additional garden outreach programming through the new Garden Education Collaboration project in 2022.

Valley Food Share

We also work with a college-wide team to build the Valley Food Share program, directly addressing food insecurity in our student community.

Summer Camps

Summer Camps for Kids through KalamazooVALLEY’s Early College program give middle schoolers hands-on experience on our urban farm and food hub.

Volunteer

Volunteer

Hoophouse

We need regular volunteers in partnership with Milestone Senior Services to cultivate the Meals on Wheels Hoophouse. Contact our farm manager to get started.

Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium

We need annual volunteers for our Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium – Contact Us to get on our list now, and look for more information in March of each year.

ValleyHUB