2024 Green Grants Award #17: Jon Henry General Store

Congratulations to Jon Henry General Store on their Green Grants award of $1,000 for Recycling and Waste Reduction plans!

In 2018, the historic Henkel Home returned to its 1800 roots as Jon Henry General Store. The Store focuses on sourcing local, regional and Fair Trade treats, gifts, and eats; just about everything like brooms, vintage license plates, jams & jellies, local honey, memorabilia, wooden toys, canned goods, snacks, candies, or gluten free flour fill the shelves.

Jon Henry General Store opened in 2018 in New Market’s oldest structure dating back to 1802. The business harkens back to the structure’s original use as general store that operated until the outbreak of the Civil War. The store focuses on carrying mostly Virginia made or grown products.  It’s one of a few brick and mortar members with Virginia Fresh Match incentives allowing folks with EBT, SNAP, P-EBT or Food Stamps to get 50% OFF any fresh produce purchase.  It also pays for all customers to use the pubic bus for in-store shopping.

Located in Downtown New Market at the intersection of RT 11 & Rt 21, Jon Henry General Store serves as a bustling regional hub in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, catering to both travelers and locals. Situated just a stone’s throw from I-81, their recent installation of 6 EV level 2 Car Chargers in the parking lots has further solidified our position as a preferred destination.

However, with the increase in travel volume, they observed a corresponding rise in litter around the premises. To address this issue and maintain the cleanliness of their community, they applied for a Green Grant to implement a comprehensive waste management solution.

Green Grant award funds will be used to purchase new public trash cans, recycling receptacles, compost containers, and cigarette disposal receptacles for the parking lot and public sidewalks. Additionally, they plan to enhance their sustainability by installing a recycling bin next to the bus stop bench.  Supplies include a wire mesh trash can and two recycling cans, a dog waste system, two cigarette butt receptacles, and updated compost containers.

Implementing this waste management program will significantly benefit the organization by making their space cleaner, and enhance the overall visitor experience. By providing proper waste disposal infrastructure, such as recycling bins, compost containers, and cigarette disposal units, they plan to affect a change in behavior that will result in less litter accumulation, creating a more inviting environment for travelers and locals alike. Moreover, by promoting sustainability and waste reduction, we hope to attract environmentally-conscious visitors and foster a reputation for responsible tourism practices.