Local

MARTA’s Fresh Produce Markets Open In Atlanta

May 23rd, 2019

The Fresh MARTA Market program, which started in 2015, serves communities around the West End, H.E. Holmes, Bankhead, College Park and Five Points rail stations.

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Accessing fresh fruits and veggies in Atlanta is becoming easier.

The seasonal Fresh MARTA Markets are opening up shop in the metro area.

The program, which has been running since 2015, serves communities around the West End, H.E. Holmes, Bankhead, College Park and Five Points rail stations. The Bankhead MARTA station’s market will be having its first full season after being introduced last year.

Denise Whitfield, MARTA’s retail development manager, said the goal is “to decrease the food insecurity in these areas” by offering homegrown, affordable and fresh produce.

“We found that where there are food deserts, there is very low access to fresh produce, which will influence the diet and influence the general health of the people who live in those communities,” she said.

About 46,000 pounds of produce were sold last year, according to Whitfield.

Patrons can pay in cash, credit and EBT/SNAP. SNAP also is worth twice as much at the markets.

Here are the schedules and locations for this year’s Fresh MARTA Markets.

Station: West End

Time open: Tuesdays, April 23 to Dec. 3, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Station: H.E. Holmes

Time open: Wednesdays, May 1 to Dec. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. (Closed Nov. 27)

Station: Bankhead

Time open: Wednesdays, May 8 to Dec. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. (Closed Nov. 27)

Station: College Park

Time open: Thursdays, May 2 to Dec. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. (Closed July 4 and Nov. 28)

Station: Five Points