Jackson, WY — On Wednesday, The Farm Jackson Hole celebrated its grand opening in the renovated Miller House at the corner of Bruun Boulevard and East Broadway Avenue. The market, the only year‑round brick‑and‑mortar farm store in Jackson, was spearheaded by local entrepreneur Shelby Belote, who gathered more than 50 regional producers to create a one‑stop shop for fresh, locally sourced foods.
Local produce and prepared foods fill the shelves
Visitors were greeted by a colorful display of seasonal vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, greens, garlic and potatoes. Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer captured the vibrant produce, highlighting the bounty available even in November. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market offers a variety of prepared foods such as pickles, jams, honey, salsa and baked goods, all displayed throughout the repurposed historic building.
Meat, dairy and more on hand
Refrigerated cases showcase a wide selection of protein options: beef cuts, whole chickens, pork, fish, raw milk, cheese and other dairy products. The Farm Jackson Hole’s consignment model retains a 10% commission for the store while returning the remaining 90% directly to the producers, ensuring that the majority of sales revenue stays within the local farming community.
Operating under Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act
The market operates under Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act, a state law that allows small businesses to sell homemade food and drink products without the need for extensive inspections or certifications. Similar “cottage law” provisions exist in many states, giving small‑scale producers the ability to bring their goods directly to consumers.
Supporting families and the community
In line with the store’s mission to serve the whole community, The Farm Jackson Hole accepts SNAP benefits, making fresh, nutritious foods more accessible to families across Jackson. Belote also envisions the space becoming a hub for education, planning producer‑led workshops and classes that teach residents about the origins of their food and sustainable farming practices.
Looking ahead
Beyond retail, the market will function as a distribution hub for participating producers, streamlining the logistics of getting local goods to market. As the store settles into its new home, community members can look forward to a growing calendar of events that celebrate Jackson’s agricultural heritage and strengthen the ties between growers and consumers.
The Farm Jackson Hole represents a tangible example of how local entrepreneurship, supportive state policy, and community demand can combine to create lasting economic and nutritional benefits for a small Western town.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
