About the Market
The Whistle Stop Farmer's Market is sponsored and supported by the City of Norcross and Norcross' Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The market's primary mission is to bring fresh, locally produced food into the community, and to offer a positive communal experience for visitors and residents.
Thanks to a grant from the USDA/Resources Conservation & Development Council (RC&D), The MARKET ACCEPTS EBT CARDS. The Whistle Stop Farmer's market is only 1 of 16 markets in Georgia awarded this grant, and is working to promote the availability of fresh healthy food to lower-income families.
Gas South and Whole Foods have also provided generous sponsorships, making several market-based community projects possible.
For instance, in addition to providing locally produced food items, the market focuses on providing fun educational tools that teach good nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices, and respect for the environment. Through our sponsorships, we have donated plants and materials to Norcross Charity Gardens, and the Stripling Elementary Garden Club, giving them tools to enrich the lives of adults and children who might otherwise never experience the thrill of planting a seedling and watching it grow, or taste a tomato fresh from the garden.
Gas South's donations have launched a fund-raising effort that will support PROJECT PLAYGROUND, a community fund-raising project created to purchase much-needed playground equipment for local public elementary schools. Art students from Stripling Elementary school are currently having a contest to design a logo for the 2010 market t-shirt. This t-shirt will go on sale in June, with 100% of the proceeds going towards Project Playground. Shirts can be purchased at the market - two adult styles will be available at $15 per shirt.
Whole Foods contributions include cooking demonstrations, using foods found at that day's markets. Recipes and free taste samples will be shared by their creative chefs! In addition, bottled water is being donated for the vendors to enjoy - a much appreciated treat on a hot market day.
Other sites and blogs:
Local Harvest Georgia Organics
Sustainable Norcross Lawrenceville Farmers Market
Peachtree Corners Life Pick Your Own
