Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Henry.
Hi Jon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My family has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for multiple generations. It seems about every 3 generations we drift further South in the Valley to a different township. I am in that generation that’s moved and opened up shop in New Market. My family still farms and lives north in Mt Jackson on a farm that has been in the family for nearly 100 years!
I opened up Jon Henry General Store in 2018 as more of a gift shop with a side of food. Our family farm supplied a lot of it. But over the years, it seems the store metamorphosed into a grocery store with a side of gifts. We now work with over 200 Virginian farmers and makers to keep our shelves stocked throughout the year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
They say opening a small business can be its own journey and have its own struggles. We opened in 2018 and then came along the Pandemic, which no business plan could prepare you for. We survived that and changed up our operations to focus more on essential items as a neighborhood grocery store. We now work with hundreds of farmers throughout the region to keep our shelves stocked. We primarily work with local farmers so weather can really affect our supplies. This year was especially a struggle with the freeze across the Mid-Atlantic affect lots of orchards limiting our pears, peaches, apples, cherries, and plum supplies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jon Henry General Store?
At Jon Henry General Store, we like to think that the heart of a true general store isn’t just stocking the shelves—it’s making sure everyone in our community can sit at the same bountiful table.
Our story took a defining turn when we set out to tackle a simple, vital truth: fresh, nourishing, locally grown food shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be accessible to every single neighbor in the Shenandoah Valley.
That conviction led us straight into our partnership with Virginia Fresh Match.
Through Virginia Fresh Match, we’re able to stretch SNAP/EBT dollars twice as far. When neighbors shop with us using SNAP benefits, their buying power doubles for fresh, local fruits, vegetables, frozen produce, and even food-producing plants. Want to take home fresh-picked mountain tomatoes, sweet local melons, or seed potatoes to plant in your own garden? We make sure half the cost is covered.
What sets our brand apart and fills us with the most pride isn’t just being a spot on the map to pick up great food—it’s building a local food ecosystem rooted in equity, dignity, and care. By bridging regional agricultural auctions and small Valley farmers directly to our community, we get to feed our neighbors while keeping federal nutrition incentives flowing right back into the hands of local growers.
When you step into Jon Henry General Store, you aren’t just visiting a shop; you’re stepping into a movement that proves good food, vibrant community, and real accessibility can all thrive under one roof.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I do a lot of the farm pickups and deliveries for the store. I find myself listening to a variety of sci-fi books on these drives to horse & buggy farms. I am currently working my way through the Ann Leckie’s Ancillary series.
Contact Info:
- Website: jonhenrygeneralstore@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonhenrygeneral/
- Facebook: https://fb.com/jonhenrygeneralstore
