Chelsea State Bank announced a $25,000 donation in support of Drive Jackson, Jackson County’s community-driven strategic plan, with funds designated to Grow Jackson’s River & Rail Food Hub. The investment will be distributed over three years and directed toward efforts that strengthen food access, expand local entrepreneurship, and support long-term community vitality.
“Jackson County has seen a tremendous response to Drive Jackson, our community’s 20-year vision plan that will have a significant regional economic impact for years to come,” said Ryan Tarrant, President and CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. “Projects like River & Rail have a positive impact on the quality of life in Jackson County, creating fresh food and developing a new gathering space for residents. We are grateful for the generous support of Chelsea State Bank in this effort.”
The River & Rail Food Hub, created by Grow Jackson, aligns naturally with Drive Jackson’s goals by creating permanent infrastructure for fresh food access, local farmers, food entrepreneurs, education, and community gathering. The hub is envisioned as a year-round neighborhood-scale grocery, farmers market, and gathering space that connects consumers with locally sourced food while strengthening South Central Michigan’s local food system.
“This donation reflects our commitment to investing in strategies that create lasting community impact,” said Joanne Rau, President and CEO, Chelsea State Bank. “River & Rail advances the kind of practical, collaborative work Drive Jackson was created to inspire—supporting food security, local farmers, entrepreneurs, education, and a stronger regional economy.”
The designated funds will help advance Grow Jackson’s work to build a more connected local food system. River & Rail supports farm-to-table opportunities that keep local dollars circulating in the community, create market access for area farmers and food producers, and provide education programming in schools, after-school settings, farmers market activities, and community spaces throughout Jackson County.
The initiative also supports broader community impact measures connected to Drive Jackson, including the financial health of residents and long-term indicators of community well-being. By investing in food security and entrepreneurial infrastructure, the donation helps move Jackson County toward measurable progress across multiple strategies in the plan.
“Grow Jackson is building on years of community-based work to create long-term food system infrastructure for Jackson,” said Jacob Inosencio, Founder and Executive Director, Grow Jackson. “Support for River & Rail helps expand access to fresh food, strengthen opportunities for local producers, and create a welcoming place for education, partnership, and community connection.”
About Drive Jackson
Drive Jackson is a countywide initiative to develop and implement a bold, community-driven strategic plan for Jackson County. The effort brings together residents, businesses, nonprofits, government, and civic partners to shape a shared vision for the county’s future and align action around priorities that improve quality of life, education, economic vitality, housing, health, and community well-being. To learn more about Drive Jackson, visit drivejacksonco.com.
About Grow Jackson and River & Rail Food Hub
Grow Jackson works to strengthen food access, nutrition education, youth development, and local food system partnerships in Jackson County. River & Rail Food Hub is the next evolution of that work, creating a permanent community-centered space for fresh food access, local farmers and producers, food entrepreneurs, education, and gathering. Community Members can learn more about Grow Jackson, including their River & Rail Food Hub, by visiting their website, riverandrailjackson.org.
About Chelsea State Bank
Chelsea State Bank is a full-service financial institution with offices in Chelsea, Dexter, and Jackson. The Bank was formed over 125 years ago by local business leaders to provide timely financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the community. This tradition of community service continues today. For more information, please call 734.475.1355 or visit www.chelseastate.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
