JACKSON HOLE, WYO — Most everyone in the community knows the Slow Food Farm Stand. Its location has changed a few times over the 24 years it has been in operation but what has never wavered is the loyalty of its ever-growing fan base.
But a devastating fire has threatened everything Slow Food in the Tetons has worked so hard for.
The fire was reported around midnight on St. Patrick’s Day. Blamed on a faulty forced air heater, it was quickly extinguished by Jackson Hole Fire/EMS. But not quick enough to prevent extensive damage.
The southern wall and parts of the roof were destroyed, and the entire structure suffered significant smoke damage. Most of the Farm Stand equipment and supplies will need to be replaced including three large refrigerators.
Rising from the ashes: making lemonade from lemons
“We’re viewing this setback as an opportunity to make improvements to the Farm Stand, both strategically and structurally,” said Executive Director Scott Steen. “The purpose of the Farm Stand is to be an educational resource to help shoppers make informed and healthy decisions about the food they eat and where it comes from, as well as to support local and regional growers.”
Slow Food in the Tetons is reaching out to the community for help rebuilding and repairing the damage caused to the food stand. Through private donations and a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeks to raise $10,000 to rebuild and repair the cherished stand which has found its latest comfortable home beside Twigs.
Big shout out to Teton Habitat for Humanity. They were among the first to step up, already committing in-kind support through construction materials and resources.
“Local food and farming adds character and strength to our community and we’re proud to support Slow Food to help make that happen,” said Teton Habitat Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Ferguson. “A lot of people count on the farm stand for their weekly supply of fresh veggies and delicious berries.”
Slow Food plans to rebuild and improve the current Farm Stand structure, and to build a much-needed second structure for food storage. The timeline is to have the original Farm Stand completed by mid-June and to build the storage structure as soon as possible. The Farm Stand is scheduled to open on July 4.
Pride in Produce
Local farmers count on the Farm Stand to sell their produce all summer long.
“The Slow Food Farm Stand is an essential outlet for us to sell our produce directly to consumers. It means less time dealing with sales and more time in the field growing food which means more locally grown food for our community,” said Brent Tyc of Huidekoper Ranch in Wilson.
Certified organic farmer Ted Wells of Alpenglow Farm called the stand “a treasure chest of locally grown delights.”
Shoppers young and old have also come to depend on the Farm Stand and show their dedication by attending every week.
Paul and Jess Wireman, owners of Local Bar & Restaurant and Trio, make regular trips to the Farm Stand with their daughter Olive.
“I love going after school for berries and apples. I like eating different fruits, trying new things and looking at all of the bright colors,” Olive offered.
A legacy in legumes
The Farm Stand has a long history in Jackson as the original market source of local produce in Jackson. Sloane Bergien opened the stand 24 years ago, eventually moving it to its current location beside Twigs in the Movieworks Plaza. Here it has flourished in part thanks to the amazing partnership with Twigs Garden Canter owner Rebecca Clough.
“I really hope that Slow Food gets the Farm Stand up and running this summer. I like to support Slow Food, I believe that they play a vital role in the community,” Clough said.
After Sloane ran the Farm Stand for 20 years, she sold it to a local couple in 2016 who then donated the business to Slow Food in the Tetons in 2017.
