COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The USDA has identified more than 35 food deserts within the perimeter of metro Atlanta, meaning that the nearest grocery store in several communities are more than five miles away. The city has turned to using mass transit to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the people who have to travel the furthest to find it.
At College Park, the sounds of the station can feel overwhelming, but to the 500,000 commuters who use MARTA each day, it's their typical beat.
"I live in College Park, I love it here. This is my spot," said a daily commuter.
It's not just her spot to catch a ride - it's now her spot to catch a meal.
"I'm getting pears and onions today; I am going to get a bucket of these peppers, also," she said, sifting through produce.
MARTA Markets are popping up all over Atlanta, offering an alternative spot to shop for people who use the train or bus.
"By me not having a car, by me being on MARTA, the fact that it's in this location is very convenient," said a commuter. "Just grab and go."
The idea is to bring food to people who typically have to go on a journey to find it.
"In many of those areas, people rely on gas stations and convenience stores to do their shopping, and there are no fresh fruits and vegetables available," said United Way CEO Milton Little. "To have the opportunity in a public space that people are familiar with to go and bring local produce solves a big problem with a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in too many neighborhoods in the city."
United Way works in partnership with MARTA to create markets that meet people where they are.
"I think it's important for people to know that they're seen, they're heard, and their needs are upheld within the community," said Kristion Jewell with MARTA Markets.
The program started out of necessity in Atlanta. United Way research found 40% of working families in Atlanta don't have access to fresh fruits and vegetables so they started with just one stand and now, they have five.
"We are able to connect with the community," Jewell said, "there's so many families or MARTA workers that come and stop by and anticipate our arrival. Which is really good because you know you're helping people."
All MARTA Markets source the food sold at the stations from local farms, which helps farmers sell their produce in the community where they live.
"We are in front of the community. Unlike regular grocery stores where you don't really know the background, the history, the transportation of the things you're eating," said Jewell.
And that sounds delicious.
"It's important to have meals and subsistence, but it's also important to have fuel. So with MARTA Market, we are able to bring the fuel to the community," she said.
So far, MARTA Markets are located at the following stations:
- West End
- Five Points
- West Bankhead
- College Park
- H.E. Holmes
- Doraville
- Kensington
The plan is to put a market in each new area where MARTA expands.