MARTA offers fresh produce, more at weekly markets

MARTA continues its fresh produce markets through the end of the year.

MARTA continues its fresh produce markets through the end of the year.

MARTA will open fresh produce kiosks at four rail stations commemorating its third season of the Fresh MARTA Market. The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony 2:30 p.m. May 2 at the West End Station.

The markets provide a convenient shopping alternative for fresh, affordable and locally grown produce. Representatives from MARTA and various partnering organizations will be on hand for the annual kick-off celebration.

“We realize that all communities don’t have adequate access to fresh and affordable produce,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker. “For us, the Fresh MARTA Market is an opportunity to help bridge that gap while promoting healthy meal choices.”

Since its debut in 2015, the Fresh MARTA Market has continued to grow and now serves four rail stations — West End, College Park, H.E. Holmes and Five Points. This year, the Atlanta Community Food bank will conduct screenings for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Childcare and Parent Services programs, which offers childcare subsidies to some of Georgia’s neediest families. Applications will be available at the West End, H.E. Holmes and Five Points stations.

Shoppers can also use Georgia Fresh for Less, formerly SNAP 2-for-1. Under the program, every dollar spent at the market becomes $2 in goods for shoppers. “Simply put, you can get twice as much at the farmer’s market with Georgia Fresh for Less,” says Sara Berney, Wholesome Wave Georgia’s executive director. “We match SNAP and EBT – dollar for dollar – at participating farmer’s markets, so consumers pay less for fresh, local food that is higher quality and more nutritious.”

Fresh MARTA Markets will be open daily, 3-7 p.m.:

West End Tuesdays, May 2 - Nov. 28

H.E. Holmes Wednesdays, May 24 - Nov. 29

College Park Thursdays, May 25 - Nov. 30

Five Points Fridays, May 12 - Dec. 1