Shoppers and vendors at the Grand River Farmers Market this summer. JTV file photo.
(November 17, 2025 9:50 PM ET) The Jackson Downtown Development Authority announced tonight that Grow Jackson will be taking over operations of the Grand River Farmers Market effective with the next staging of the Winter Market on November 7. The Market moved to its indoor location last week at Found Church, 141 East Michigan Avenue. During the winter months, the Market operates on Fridays only.
This transition was announced in a press release as a collaboration between two organizations deeply committed to Jackson’s vitality. For decades, the Grand River Farmers Market has served as an outlet for local growers, makers, and vendors in operation 2 to 3 days per week during spring, summer and fall months along the Grand River at Glick Highway. A Winter Market was added in the past few years. According to the DDA, the market has experienced over 60% growth within the last 3 years, creating new opportunities for farmers and small business owners while ensuring all Jackson residents have access to fresh, locally grown food.
The DDA attributes much of this success to the innovative leadership of Market Manager Dodi Wheeler, whose efforts have strengthened vendor relationships, cultivated customer trust, and expanded the market’s reach to new audiences. The DDA credits Wheeler’s hard work in establishing a solid foundation for the market’s continued growth.
As the new operator, Grow Jackson says it plans to build upon that foundation. The organization intends to expand educational programming, develop a “Farm Stop” for local entrepreneurs, farmers, and food producers to sell their goods year-round, and further increase access to nutritious food produced in and around Jackson.
“This transition is a celebration of progress,” said Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson DDA. “Grow Jackson’s mission aligns perfectly with the spirit of the market — empowering farmers, supporting small businesses, and connecting people to the food and community that sustain them.”
“The Grand River Farmers Market is a perfect fit for our organization,” said 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.”
As the market moves forward under Grow Jackson’s leadership, both organizations remain committed to collaboration and community success.
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