Chattanooga Pulse

One of the keystones of a successful community is a strong local economy. There has been more and more encouragement to buy local and contribute to the prosperity of our fellow Tennesseans, even before our fellow Americans or Earthlings. The Chattanooga Market downtown, located in the First Tennessee Pavilion, is a center for local food, arts and crafts, and entertainment.

Open this year on Sundays until December 6, this open-air market, the largest in the region, provides products sold by the producers and represents 3,500 acres of regional farms. One can find him or her self among an enticing selection of fresh vegetables, flowers, and herbs. A variety of meats, cheeses, breads, honey, jellies and jams are available to complete the menu. For dessert, you can find treats ranging from candies to fudge to cake. With such a diverse assortment of fresh, local foods available, the market provides an excellent resource for people who are interested in both a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

By consuming what we can produce locally, we are investing a personal interest in the means of production and transportation of our products. We can know that the vegetables we are buying came to us by a pick-up truck from 15 miles out of town instead of coming in a Mack truck from 1,500 miles away. The money we spend on local food and crafts goes to support our friends and neighbors, not the construction of another chain store. Knowing all this, it is remarkable the sense of accomplishment you can achieve when simply buying a basket of apples or a jar of pickles. It’s amazing how much better a cake can taste when it comes with a smile from the woman who made it.

The Chattanooga Market is not just an outlet for delicious foods. It also serves as a true community center. It is free to come into the market to stroll and enjoy live musical performances and let the kids play on the climbing wall. A monthly cooking class is offered (for a small fee) for those wanting to learn how to make the most of their market purchases.

New this year, the market has introduced the S.A.F.E. program: Support Area Food Economies. There are different levels of customized memberships available for purchase, and members enjoy special benefits in addition to being able to receive curbside grocery delivery each week.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of The Chattanooga Market is its support of charities: the true heart of a caring and connected community. The market serves as a venue for events held by varied organizations including United Way, American Cancer Society, and Pennies for Vicki, a local charity. Also, community members are now able to utilize the market as a donation center for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. According to the meter on The Chattanooga Market’s web site, they have already collected 2,487 pounds of food this year, as well as raised $52,429 for charities. Spending at the market, through the S.A.F.E. program, has also resulted in $434.78 to support the local food economy.

The regulations for what can be sold as arts and crafts at the market are extensive. There are four main standards: the items must be handmade with natural materials gathered by the seller or family member (the commercial components of the products must be used in a way that makes them unique), items must be of the artist’s original design, starting materials must be significantly altered or enhanced, and the products must meet “basic expectations of product life, function, and safety.” There are additional qualifications for each sub-category of items. The standards that the market employs ensure that the products offered to customers will be not only locally made but also original, quality work.

When considering the necessary ingredients for a healthy community, one must consider what he or she can contribute and therefore expect to receive from local resources. The Chattanooga Market provides a space for local farmers, bakers, butchers, smiths, carpenters, musicians, and candlestick makers to share the fruits of their labor. It a place where citizens can also share use their fruits to stimulate and continue this resource. And most importantly, the market strives to provide care and consideration for a variety of local needs.

Visit the Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 22, 29 and December 6 before it closes for the year. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter St. (423) 648-2496. www.chattanoogamarket.com