08/04/2025
For Immediate Release
City of Jackson DDA
[email protected]
8/4/2025
THE GRAND RIVER FARMERS MARKET CELEBRATES NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK 2025
Farmers markets throughout Michigan to host special events and celebrations
Jackson, MI — The Grand River Farmers Market joins markets across the state and country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 3-9, 2025. The Grand River Farmers Market will be one of many farmers markets throughout Michigan celebrating! Check out our Experience Jackson podcast we did this week to hear all the great things that your local farm market has to offer, and how we set our standards to bring the most exceptional local agricultural products to Jackson County!
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-experience-jackson-121197195/episode/e091-grand-river-farmers-market-288220794
We celebrated front and center on Farm Market Day, Sunday, August 3, as the featured collective to kick off the Jackson County Fair, and you can find us downtown each Friday and Saturday 9:00 to 2:00 (as well as Tuesday evenings 3 to 7!) - say hi, meet our wonderful vendors, learn about where your food comes from, chat with the people that produce it, and find out the details about our “Second Season” Winter Market starting in November!
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets recognized by the Farmers Market Coalition, with Michigan efforts supported by Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). Now in its 26th year, this annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system.
The Grand River Farmers Market began in Jackson decades ago, and has seen various locations, but this year celebrates its 25th Anniversary under the Riverside Pavilion at 114 W. Pearl St. in Jackson. It currently hosts over 75 rotating vendors selling a wide variety of products; in addition to a huge variety of all-Michigan fruits and veggies, we’ve got pasture-raised pork and chicken, grass fed/grass finished beef, mushrooms, microgreens, cheese, pasta, dairy products, handcrafted sauces, coffee, eggs, culinary oils and spices, garlic, vinegars, bean-to-bar chocolate, sourdough and artisan breads, vegan foods, local syrup, organic spices, local honey, all natural dehydrated pet treats, green plants, herbs, jams, jellies, salsa, chutney, pesto, delicious baked goods, gluten-free options, prepared meals, pantry goods, cider, popcorn, nuts and other snacks, as well as a very small carefully curated group of true artisans for a little retail therapy!
This year, we’ve celebrated 25 years of growth by:
- Adopting a vibrant new logo created by the Gainey School of Business at Spring Arbor University
- Introducing merchandise with that logo
- Securing a food safety grant from the MSU extension for on-site demonstrations
- Adding a highly requested afternoon/evening Tuesday market 3:00 - 7:00pm
In addition:
- We are very proud to announce that we just passed our first (surprise!) market-wide MDARD inspection with flying colors; your safety is our highest priority and we are always working toward compliance!
- Several of our farmers went through an extensive application and training process this spring and now accept Senior Project Fresh, in addition to the EBT/SNAP benefits that 100% of our eligible vendors accept
- We have nearly tripled the EBT/SNAP benefits that have been redeemed through our market in the last three years, and we continue our efforts to reach as many eligible families as possible in our county
- We’re getting ready to launch our 3rd year “Second Season” Winter Market in November together with Found Church at 141 E. Michigan Ave., which will include over 30 of our current farmers, ranchers, producers, and artisans
- Lastly, stay tuned for an exciting partnership with Grow Jackson regarding the potential farm stop development with Jackson County!
“I’m so glad to know that not only can I bring my family down for an enjoyable, relaxing community experience with activities for the kids (like music, crafts, and the Bookmobile!) and friendly and knowledgeable vendors, but I love that I can double my EBT tokens and at the same time support the farmers and ranchers and producers that are close to me. I’m so glad to know my money stays in my community!”
- Emilia R., Jackson
You can follow the market on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok for the current list of vendors and events, or to reach out with questions and comments or for additional information.
Stay tuned each day this week to see why farm markets matter… They don’t just happen!
See you Downtown Jackson!
