On almost any given day in the Chattanooga region, farmers are convening in predetermined locations, setting up their pop-up tents, and unloading boxes of farm-fresh items, including produce, meat, eggs, and more.
These farmers markets enable Chattanoogans to purchase freshly harvested, locally grown foods directly from the person or family who grew or raised them.
“Farmers markets provide an unique opportunity for city-folk to meet real-life farmers,” says Andrea Jaeger, programs coordinator of Crabtree Farms. “These markets help connect us directly to the people who grow our food, and enable us to have more control over our food choices.”
A visit to a farmers market allows customers to ask farmers about their growing practices and access a wide variety of freshly harvested items. Local farmers grow many common items found in produce isles of grocery stores but also sometimes bring unfamiliar items that commercial retailers are unable to stock, such as Paw Paws, kohlrabi, unique varieties of heirloom tomatoes, or Lacinato kale.
Selling their products directly to customers at farmers markets allows farmers to receive the true value of their goods. A small percentage of what they make may be paid to keep the farmers market in operation, but the farmer is able to keep the vast majority of the income. This means the customer’s food dollars go into the pocket of the farmer instead of a middle man.
August 3-9 marks the 15th annual National Farmers Market Week (NFMW). The USDA created NFMW as a celebration of all the farmers markets across the United States. Chattanoogans can be part of the celebration by shopping at one of the 16 local farmers markets that unite farmers and customers each week. A complete listing of market locations and hours can be found in TasteBuds, the local food guide available at Crabtree Farms, or online at www.growchattanooga.org/foodguide. Many of the listed markets also accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, making local food more accessible to all Chattanoogans.
For more information about local farmers markets, call (423) 493-9155, extension 13, or email ajaeger@crabtreefarms.org.
Source: Crabtree Farms