Robert Marcy

MEMPHIS FARMERSMARKET MISSION: TheMemphis Farmers Marketis a weekly, non-profit outdoor marketplace featuring local farmers and artisans. The market showcases locally sourced produce and food items, as well as locally produced kitchen and garden arts and crafts from the Mid-South region. The market strives to educate the community about eating local, nutrition and food choices. Enjoy live music and weekly themed events and fun programs. oUR 5 GOALS AS A MARKET ARE TO… Improve public health nutrition options by providing a vehicle to educate the community on nutrition and good health Assist area farmers, producers, and artisans with sustainable business opportunities Generate a sense of local pride while furthering the economic development of our community Provide access to local food choices Serve as a community-gathering place The Memphis Farmers Market was started in2006by a small group of volunteers who had a vision for a thriving marketplace of fresh and local foods in Downtown Memphis. Through dedication, hard work and immense community support, the Market grew over the next several years, adding not only more produce farmers, but prepared foods and kitchen and garden artisans as well. “These generous grants and contributions allowed the Memphis Farmers Market to grow to the next level by increasing our covered, open-air market space and by better serving our local farmers and artisans.” In July2010, the Memphis Farmers Market was awarded a $100,000 matching grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for expanding the market pavilion.  In order to complete the expansion, the MFM has been actively fundraised the additional funds to take advantage of the $100,000 TDA grant, along with raising additional funds needed to complete the project.  Additional funds raised include a $65,000 grant from theHyde Foundationand thousands of dollars in private donations given by market supporters. The new pavilion expansion matches the architectural design of the existing pavilion and includes electricity, lighting and fans, and provides covered space for 16 vendors. We are thrilled the project was completed in May2011. “Our market has grown significantly over the years, and currently more than a dozen vendors are without a covered space. Our covered pavilion is a great feature that really sets us apart from other markets. To expand it is needed and exciting” said Susan Kitsinger. “These generous grants and contributions allowed the Memphis Farmers Market to grow to the next level by increasing our covered, open-air market space and by better serving our local farmers and artisans.” TheDowntown Memphis Commissionwas instrumental in their support with the project, andClark Dixon Architectsdonated its services in-kind for facilitation of the pavilion expansion.Montgomery Martinwas the contractor. The capital improvements also provide MATA with covered parking spaces as well as access to covered passenger drop-off during inclement weather. 2012was another big year for the Market. The Market was certified to accept SNAP benefits through a token program, allowing those on government assistance a direct line to fresh foods. Also, through a matching grant with Grow Memphis, SNAP participants who swipe at least $10 on their SNAP card at the market table are given $10 in Double Greens tokens, which are to be spent on fresh produce exclusively. This addition of SNAP benefits speaks directly to the Market’s mission to provide access to fresh, local foods to everyone. The token program also allows all shoppers to swipe their debit/credit card at the Market table and purchase tokens, which can be used just like cash with all market vendors. Due to increased operations and workload, Memphis Farmers Market hired a full-time Market Director, Allison Cook, to handle market operations and provide board of directors and organizational support. Food trucks were added to the offerings at the market this same year, with rave reviews from