Farmers markets are recently back in season, with East Atlanta's Thursday evening farmer's market the newest addition starting this week. I've been wanting to eat more fresh food, so the timing is perfect. A point was also made recently that to help combat the bad economy, we should do some local shopping and support the local businesses around us. Plus, it incredibly helps the environment by reducing the transport and energy costs of shipping in foods from other places.
Here are the main farmers markets in the city. I hope to investigate personally more of them to update this post. Please also provide your comments as well.
- Piedmont Park Green Market. Saturdays 9am-1pm
Typically has some live music, chef demonstrations and more crafty things like bar soaps, organic plants/flowers than other markets. In the past has offered organic meat. Probably good for tourists with its central location and could be combined with sightseeing in the park.
- Morningside Farmer's Market. Saturdays 7:30-11:30am
This is the market you need to get up early for. It usually holds the title as best market in the city and items will get picked through later in the day. It is also one of the oldest markets. Can't beat Alon's across the street for breakfast, pastries or coffee after you shop.
- East Atlanta Village Market. Thursday 4pm to Dusk
Meat, veggies, pasta and a great time for non-morning people. I hope to check this out soon, but the great thing about this market is that those using food stamps can convert their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards into tokens that can be used to buy food at the market. The Village market also accepts WIC farmers market nutrition program vouchers. Wednesday, May 20, will be a farm to table dinner at the Graveyard Tavern. Plenty of shopping in the village to explore after you get your local fixin's as well.
The AJC has an extended list of other markets with a map. The Natural Resources Defense Council also has this amazing interactive web page that lets you see what food is currently in season by state - can't think of a better way to eat fresh.
You can also sign up for Community Support Agriculture (CSA) where you pick up or are delievered a share of local food by paying a flat fee. This web site offers a list of CSAs in Atlanta, though I don't know how up to date the information is. It is a great thing to share with neighbors if you don't want to shoulder all the cost.