Something exciting is sprouting at the Grand River Farmers Market! Jackson’s beloved downtown gathering place enters a brand-new chapter as Grow Jackson steps in to lead market management.
This transition marks a collaboration rooted in community, connection, and good food, with Grow Jackson taking ownership of the Grand River Farmers Market from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and carrying forward the shared mission of strengthening Jackson’s local food system and supporting the people who make it thrive.
Growing Together: The DDA’s Legacy
Over the past several years, the Grand River Farmers Market has become a cornerstone of downtown life, a place where farmers, food makers, and neighbors come together to celebrate local abundance. Under the DDA’s leadership, the market grew more than 60%, creating new opportunities for small businesses while helping more Jackson residents access fresh, local food.
A huge part of that success is thanks to Market Manager Dodi Wheeler, whose energy and creativity helped the market blossom. Grow Jackson has hired Dodi to ensure a smooth transition and maintain strategic continuity, with an enhanced consumer experience and farmer feedback at the center of our efforts. Dodi’s work has built strong relationships with vendors and customers alike, expanding the market’s reach and setting the stage for continued growth.
A Bright Future with Grow Jackson
As Grow Jackson takes the reins, the vision is clear: keep the momentum going and take it even further. The organization plans to:
- Expand educational opportunities for the community
- Launch the Jackson Farm Stop: a year-round space for local entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers to share their products
- Increase access to nutritious, locally produced food for everyone in Jackson by growing the farmers market to expand accessibility and strengthen the economic resilience of our local food economy
“This transition is a celebration of progress,” says Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the DDA. “Grow Jackson’s mission perfectly aligns with the spirit of the market — empowering farmers, supporting small businesses, and connecting people to the food and community that sustain them.”
And Grow Jackson is ready to dig in. “The Grand River Farmers Market is a perfect fit for our organization,” says Jacob Inosencio, Founder and CEO of Grow Jackson. “Our goal is to build on the incredible foundation laid by the DDA and Market Manager Dodi Wheeler — fostering an even stronger local food system and community hub for Jackson.”