Chattanooga, TN, August 30, 2025

News Summary

The Main Street Farmers Market in Chattanooga operates every Wednesday, offering fresh local produce and EBT benefits year-round. Located at Chestnut and West 20th streets, the market supports local farmers while addressing food insecurity in the community. Customers using EBT can double their buying power with market tokens, fostering access to healthy food options for those in need. The market’s commitment to community welfare and support for local growers is evident in its diverse offerings, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods.

Chattanooga’s Main Street Farmers Market Offers Year-Round Access to Fresh Local Produce and EBT Benefits

The Main Street Farmers Market in Chattanooga operates every Wednesday afternoon, providing year-round access to fresh local produce and food assistance options for vulnerable residents. Located at the intersection of Chestnut and West 20th streets, the market runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with winter hours ending at 5:30 p.m.

The market features a wide variety of offerings, including fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, sustainably raised meats, milks, and cheeses. It strives to support local farmers and makers while also assisting those in financial need, emphasizing its commitment to community welfare.

Logan Lewis, co-owner of Stem and Stipe, one of the vendors at the market, highlights the importance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, which aim to help individuals and families purchase essential food items. Lewis has been enrolled in the SNAP program since 2021 after experiencing challenges due to rising rent costs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the program as a vital lifeline that helps him access necessary food.

SNAP benefits are determined based on various factors, including total income, household size, and living expenses. The Main Street Farmers Market enhances these benefits by utilizing two grants that effectively double purchasing power for EBT customers. Participants who charge $40 on their EBT cards receive $80 in market tokens, which can be used for purchases at the market.

The tokens are color-coded for easy identification: green tokens are designated for fresh produce, while red tokens can be used for other food items. The green tokens are sponsored by the Chattanooga Food Center and are also accepted at the Brainerd Farmers Market and Gaining Ground Grocery, providing further options for customers.

Residents in Tennessee and Georgia seeking assistance can find information on how to apply for food support online. The application process requires various documents, including Social Security numbers, identification, proof of residency, income verification, statements on resources, and a summary of utility costs. Approved SNAP recipients receive an EBT card that can be used at the market.

Upon arrival at the market, customers can check in at the information table, swipe their EBT cards, and receive tokens to make their purchases. For additional inquiries, people can reach out to Maddie Witt, the Director of Marketing and Outreach.

The Main Street Farmers Market was founded in 2009 with the aim of providing a marketplace for local farmers and producers, ensuring that the community has access to fresh, locally sourced food while supporting the livelihood of local producers.

Key Features of the Main Street Farmers Market

• Operates year-round every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. in winter)
• Located at Chestnut and West 20th streets in Chattanooga
• Offers fresh local produce, baked goods, and meats
• Supports local farmers and provides EBT benefits to assist those in need
• Tokens issued for EBT customers that double purchasing power

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: How to Use Food Assistance Benefits at Main
• Wikipedia: Food Assistance
• Nooga Today: Farmers Markets in Chattanooga, TN
• Google Search: Chattanooga Farmers Markets
• Chattanooga Pulse: Farmers Market Season
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Farmer’s Market
• News Channel 9: Chattanooga Market and Bee Creek Farm
• Google News: Chattanooga Food Assistance
• Local 3 News: Chattanooga Market
• Google Scholar: Food Assistance Program

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.