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ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announces the opening of its popular Fresh MARTA Markets, including the expansion of the program to provide greater food access in DeKalb County with new markets at Doraville and Kensington rail stations.
Fresh MARTA Markets open for the 2022 regular season beginning on Tuesday, April 12 at West End Station, Wednesday, April 13 at H.E. Holmes and Bankhead Stations, Thursday, April 14 at College Park and Doraville Stations, and Friday, April 15 at Five Points Station. The new market at Kensington opens this summer. All markets are open one day-day per week and will remain open until the first week of December. Per the federal mask mandate on public transportation, masks are still required to be worn while shopping at the markets.
Launched in 2015, Fresh MARTA Markets provide convenient access to affordable, fresh produce in food deserts and expand opportunities for Georgia’s local growers to sell their fruits and vegetables. MARTA operates the markets in partnership with Community Farmers Markets (CFM), with support from Open Hand Atlanta, Wholesome Wave GA, Urban Recipe, and local growers and together have served over 150,000 people over the last four years, selling more than 170,000 pounds of produce.
“A sure sign of spring is that the Fresh MARTA Markets are open! We are grateful for the continued support from our many partner agencies and valued local growers and are excited about the expansion into DeKalb County,” said MARTA Interim General Manager Collie Greenwood.
MARTA recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for $851,677.10 to continue operations at the markets and pay for the additional markets to be established in DeKalb County. This USDA grant expands operations through 2024 and will allow MARTA to serve an additional 250,000 people and source $100,000 worth of produce from local farms.
“Having convenient access to fresh, affordable produce is an important part of creating and sustaining a healthy, vibrant community. We are so pleased to welcome the newest Fresh MARTA Market to Doraville rail station and our City Council was happy to partner with MARTA to help make it happen,” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman.
The markets accept cash, credit and debit, as well as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is doubled at the market, meaning $5 swiped is worth $10 to spend. The Atlanta Community Food Bank screens individuals and families to see if they are eligible for benefits. Visit benefits@acfb.org or call 678-553-5917 to see if you qualify.