Townsend continues grocery tradition with produce stand

For the past three years Jack Townsend has sold local produce to the community at the local Optimist Club Booth on East Ninth Street in Rochester, but his passion for serving the community with fresh produce is something that has spanned a lifetime for the 83-year-old.

Prior to setting up produce at the Optimist Club Booth, Jack sold fresh fruits and vegetables for the past decade and a half at a stand east of his current produce location on Ninth Street near House of Decor. Previously owning the former Townsend IGA located at 901 E. Ninth St., Townsend has always had a passion for serving the Fulton County community, teaching his son, Jay Townsend to do the same.

Over the years Jack had grown connections to add produce from farmers markets and other businesses in Northern Indiana. Jack also has about two acres of his own sweet corn he also sells, which is currently available to the public. 

Townsend's oldest son Jack Townsend Jr., known locally as Jay Townsend, says his father commits his time to serving the community as his way to stay involved with the community, while treating people fairly with prices, while providing fresh produce to the area. 

 "It's good for the community. People like to come in for good produce, and Dad knows where to get it at," Jay said. His dad's connections are what keeps the produce stand running for the past several years, and is also a passion that keeps Jack motivated after his retirement from his grocery store. 

From going to the Wakarusa's produce auctions three times a week, DNR Fruit Market in Logansport, to working with local growers, Townsend strives to make his produce the best of the best for his customers. 

Alongside Townsend and his oldest son, Jay, Billy Spangler, and Greg Mellinger will also be helping at the produce stand this year. The stand will be open until the end of the summer season each Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.