KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A farmers market in downtown Knoxville will set up shop on Saturday for the last time this year.
The winter farmers market will be located near Market Square, Union Avenue and Market Street. Each year, farmers and local vendors set up booths and show off their unique creations to crowds of people. On Dec. 23, the farmers market will also give last-minute shoppers a chance to snag some Christmas gifts.
People are also able to use SNAP benefits at the farmers market, getting nutritious food while supporting community vendors. People can also participate in a Double Up Food Bucks program, giving people a chance to double the amount of benefits they can spend at the market.
Customers swipe their EBT cards at the marker information booth for tokens which can then be spent on any SNAP-eligible food at the market. Customers can get up to an extra $20 per day in tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables.
After Dec. 23, the market will be closed until Jan. 20, 2024, when it will start back up for the new year. It will then be open every Saturday up until March 30, 2024, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.
It's hosted by Nourish Knoxville, an organization that works to address food insecurity in the area while guaranteeing families are able to access nutritious foods. The nonprofit organizes a variety of other programs, such as Nourish Kids.
Through the program, kids have a chance to directly engage with food systems and learn about how food is grown and prepared.