About Us
River & Rail
The name River & Rail reflects both place and purpose. Located near the crossroads of historic rail lines in Jackson, this project is rooted in a part of the city shaped by movement, connection, and industry. Today, River & Rail carries that spirit forward in a new way by connecting people to fresh food, local producers, and shared community experiences.
Built on the Work of Grow Jackson
How River & Rail Fits Within Grow Jackson
River & Rail is the next evolution of Grow Jackson’s mission. Grow Jackson began as a community gardening initiative focused on improving access to fresh food, then expanded into youth workforce development, nutrition education, food distribution, and community partnerships across Jackson. River & Rail builds on that foundation by creating permanent infrastructure that supports fresh food access, local farmers, and long-term food system growth.
Our Vision for the Future
A Long-Term Vision for our Food System
River & Rail is designed to meet today’s needs while helping build a stronger local food system for the future. With a neighborhood grocery, farmers market, gathering space, food trucks, and future distribution infrastructure, it creates fresh food access, supports local opportunity, and helps foster a more connected community in Jackson.
Values That Guide This Work
Everything at River & Rail is guided by clear values: access, community, partnership, and local impact. We believe fresh food should be easier to access, farmers and food producers should have fair opportunity, and community spaces should feel welcoming and vibrant. Those values continue to shape how River & Rail grows and serves Jackson.
Community Roots & Partnership
River & Rail is part of a broader community effort to strengthen food access and local opportunity in Jackson. Built on Grow Jackson’s years of community-based work and partnership, it brings together residents, farmers, local organizations, businesses, and supporters around a shared vision for healthier, more connected local food system.
Why This Place Matters to the Jackson Community
River & Rail is located within the historic Michigan State Prison property, transforming a once-closed space into an open and welcoming community destination. What was once defined by separation is being reimagined as a place of connection, nourishment, and opportunity. That transformation matters. It reflects a bigger vision for Jackson, one where historic spaces can serve new purposes and bring people together in meaningful ways.