Free Groceries, Produce Now Offered At 5 Atlanta MARTA Stations

ATLANTA, GA — Fresh produce and free shelf-stable groceries will be available at five Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority stations in the metro area starting Friday.

Local nonprofit Community Farmers Markets — partnering with Atlanta-based nonprofit Urban Recipe — is launching its inaugural winter market starting Feb. 5, offering a selection of fresh produce from local farmers and free pantry items at some MARTA station markets, according to a press release. Community Farmers Markets and MARTA have partnered to offer pop-up food stands since 2015, but this will be the first winter market.

The markets are located at the West End, Five Points, Bankhead, College Park and H.E. Holmes MARTA stations — areas with limited access to fresh food, according to the press release. Market customers will be able to choose shelf-stable grocery items such as rice, oats, pasta and canned foods for free in addition to a purchase of fresh produce.

The Fresh MARTA Markets open at different stations each day. On Friday, the market will be open at Five Points station from noon to 4 p.m. Cash, credit, debit and EBT/SNAP — which is doubled at the market, since CFM matches the amount of EBT dollars swiped — are accepted.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimated that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans would not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.