The Lookout Farmers Market is partnering with several area non-profit organizations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, La Paz Chattanooga, Chattanooga Sports Ministries, and others, to host a new farmers market to be held at the Highland Park Commons, adjacent to the futsal soccer fields near the campuses of Redemption Point Church and Tennessee Temple University. The market will be held every Wednesday, starting April 29, from 4-7 p.m. and will continue through the summer.
Local farm vendors will have fruit, vegetables, breads, and meats available for purchase. In addition to the farmer booths, the Highland Park Farmers Market will also offer artisan booths, local music, and several educational and engagement tents, including a Kids Zone Tent sponsored by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, a Fresh Food Cooking Tent sponsored by Lodge, a Community Outreach Tent sponsored by Tennessee American Water, a Health and Wellness Tent and a Green Gardening Tent.
"For La Paz, this market presents an opportunity for the Latino community in Highland Park to have access to purchase fresh, locally grown food in their own backyard," said Patrick Miles, director of Community Engagement at La Paz Chattanooga. "And it gives us another avenue to celebrate and include the Latino population and culture of this neighborhood with the greater community. Plus, it aligns with our health and wellness services as we educate our clients on the importance of proper nutrition."
"Our market is one of 20 farmers markets to be participating in the new 'Double-Up' program of Tennessee," explains Lookout Farmers Market Director Lori Carter. "We feel that the Highland Park location of the Lookout Farmers Market will be the perfect neighborhood to launch this new payment initiative that will allow EBT users to swipe their cards for $10 and go home with $20 worth of healthy fruits and vegetables. This helps both at-risk families afford local produce and gives local farmers a new customer base. This program will begin later in the season, but until then, folks can use their EBT cards as they would at any other store. The Highland Park Farmers Market fits perfectly with our organization's mission. The community is large, diverse, and needs a safe and convenient place to buy fresh healthy food."
"Farmers markets are part of a national movement to increase access to local grown produce to all populations," informs Bill Rush, executive director of the J.A. Henry YMCA. "This collaboration is essential to building a model that is sustainable for all those involved while supporting local farmers and neighborhoods. Fresh, local, and affordable produce is a significant benefit to the health and quality of all."
Local farmers, artisans, and others who would like to host a booth or space in this market should contact Ms. Carter at lookoutfarmersmarket@gmail.com or 838-9804. Volunteers from La Paz Chattanooga will be on hand each week to share any upcoming classes at La Paz and to assist as interpreters for the Spanish speaking community who attend. For more information on the Highland Park Farmers Market, visit https://www.facebook.com/LookoutMountainFarmersMarket.