Free Shelf-Stable Food Now Offered at MARTA Farm Stands in Atlanta

Community Farmers Markets, the nonprofit organization behind Grant Park and East Atlanta Village farmers markets, partnered with Atlanta food cooperative Urban Recipe to provide free, shelf-stable food at five MARTA pop-up market locations each week.

In addition to fresh produce for purchase at the organization’s MARTA markets this winter, the new partnership with Urban Recipe now allows Community Farmers Markets to offer free non-perishable food items at station farm stands in West End, Five Points, Bankhead, College Park, and Hamilton E. Holmes.

“Due to the partnership with Urban Recipe, Fresh MARTA Market customers will also be able to choose additional shelf-stable items, including rice, oats, pasta, and canned foods, free of charge, to supplement their purchase of fresh produce,” a press release states.

Community Farmers Markets began hosting weekly pop-up farm stands five years ago at MARTA stations within neighborhoods where access to fresh produce and groceries is limited. Pop-up markets operate Tuesday through Friday at a different MARTA station each day and accept cash, credit and debit, along with EBT and SNAP, which is doubled.

In addition to the MARTA produce stands, the organization also oversees weekly farmers markets in Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, Oakhurst, Decatur, and at Ponce City Market.