The Marble Springs Farmers Market, the only farmers markets available for the past six years in South Knoxville, is a weekly market that takes place on Thursdays from 3:00-6:00pm from May through September. Every year approximately 1500 customers visit the Marble Springs Farmers Market and shop from an average of 10-20 vendors. Fresh local produce, fruits, hand-made items, jams and jellies are ava
ilable for the local, South Knoxville community. Many people in the community are unaware of this great resource that is just down the road from them. The market generates economic benefits for the community tby providing fresh local produce to South Knoxville neighborhoods, of which some areas are considered to be part of a food desert. We support local farmers and gardeners, people who make arts and crafts, and we have included antique and vintage items for the 2016 market season. Up until this point, Marble Springs has relied on word of mouth, a small banner at the front of the historic site, and social media for the advertising of the Farmers Market. This has been fairly sufficient for continued customer and vendor participation, but we want to grow awareness of the Marble Springs Farmers’ Market. The Marketing Project will assure that more people are aware of this valuable resource in South Knoxville and encourage more vendor participation, which is vital for continued customer satisfaction. Funds from the SOUP grant will pay for ads in local publications, Facebook sponsorships, flyers, and 2-4 new color banners with graphics that will be placed along Chapman, Alcoa, and on John Sevier Highways. If enough funds are raised, market bags will be designed for customers to purchase. These funds will be used to create sustainability of the marketing and implementation of the Marble Springs Farmers Market.
