Farmers markets in Georgia have grown 600 percent in the past six years, according to figures from Georgia Organics. While many shoppers have discovered the pleasures of shopping the markets in their neighborhoods, the organization — dedicated to bringing organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families — wants to reach many more people.
In 2013, Georgia Organics launched the My Market Club to encourage more people to support and regularly shop at local farmers markets. The grant-funded program offers incentives to first-time farmers market shoppers such as $5 in market tokens to spend on food, free tote bags and more.
There are currently eight markets in Georgia that participate in the program. Each has a welcome tent hosted by a My Market Ambassador who helps you enroll in the program and navigate your first time at the market.
Once you are issued a membership card, you may get $5 to spend that same day at the market (incentives may vary by location and availability). Each time you return to the market, bring your membership card and get it stamped to claim the next reward. On your third visit, you are entered in a raffle to win local prizes.
Farmers markets are great at connecting people who care about food, whether it be individuals, restaurant owners or food growers, says Michael Wall, director of programs for Georgia Organics. “People are accessing farmers through the farmers markets, which we love and the farmers love,” he says.
Georgia is also one of the top states in the country for SNAP and EBT usage at farmers markets, Wall says. Through Wholesome Wave Georgia, any money from SNAP and EBT (government assistance programs) is doubled at some farmers market locations. For example, swiping an EBT card for $20 would allow you to buy $40 worth of food.
You can register for the My Market Club at the metro-area farmers markets listed below. (All of them accept SNAP/EBT and some may offer double the benefits):
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market (Atlanta)
Grant Park Farmers Market (Atlanta)
Decatur Farmers Market (Decatur)
Freedom Farmers Market (Atlanta)
About the Author
