Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the Market held?
Every Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mid-April through end of October.
How many vendors do you have, and who are they?
There are roughly 70 vendors selling locally-produced produce, flowers, plants, herbs, meats, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and prepared foods, as well as artisans selling products made locally. Our vendors come to the market from the greater Memphis area, as far out as northern Mississippi, western Arkansas and middle Tennessee. Many of them are at the market every Saturday, and some are at market once or twice a month.
What kinds of products can I find at the market?
At Memphis Farmers Market, you’ll find a huge variety of products that all share a common characteristic – they’re all locally-grown, locally-raised, locally-produced. In other words, you won’t find resale products at the Memphis Farmers Market. Why? Because it is important to us that you know where your products came from. This is also the reason you won’t some of common produce found in local grocery stores, such as bananas or citrus. These goods generally aren’t produced locally; they are transported to Memphis from other areas. At the market, you’ll find locally-grown, locally-raised, locally-produced fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, plants, herbs, gardens, meats, farm-fresh eggs and dairy products, organic produce and meats, heirloom produce, baked and prepared foods, snacks, sandwiches, and coffee. You’ll also find a variety of artisan and natural value-added products including pottery, metal art, products made from recycled goods, garden art, whimsical designs, wooden art forms, birdhouses and birdfeeders, decorative gourds, handmade soaps and body products, candles, gift baskets, and honey products. At our Market Café you can enjoy some hot coffee, pastry and cold drinks. We also sell Market Merchandise including t-shirts (for adults and kids), shopping totes, posters and the Memphis Farmers Market Cookbook. Look for these at the market info table.
How is the market supported?
Memphis Farmers Market is supported by grants, memberships, sponsorships and vendor fees. The Market operates on a small budget that must support a large array of operating expenses that include insurance, permits, licenses, signage, utilities, site improvements, marketing, promotions, a part-time market manager, and more. We meet these needs through vendor fees, fundraising, foundation grants, sponsorships, “Friends of MFM” donations and merchandise sales. We especially rely on generous financial donations to implement our marketing, operations, site development, health education and community relations programs to achieve our mission goals.
How can I get involved with Memphis Farmers Market?
It’s easy! Visit our Get Involved page to learn how. You can become a volunteer, become a vendor, become a Friend of MFM, sponsor or partner.
Does the market sell organic products?
Yes. Definitions of “organic” vary widely: if a vendor displays an “organically grown” sign, ask how he or she defines the term. To display to USDA logo of “certified organic,” a vendor does need to have gone through inspection and approval of sustainable farming practices and other criteria. We recommend asking vendors to ensure their products are certified organic.
Why don’t you have produce all season long?
At Memphis Farmers Market, you’ll find a huge variety of products that all share a common characteristic – they’re all locally-grown, locally-raised, locally-produced. In other words, you won’t find resale products at the Memphis Farmers Market. Why? Because it is important to us that you know where your products came from. This is also the reason you won’t some of common produce found in local grocery stores, such as bananas or citrus. These goods generally aren’t produced locally; they are transported to Memphis from other areas.
How did the market get started?
In June of 2005, a community-based committee formed a Board of Directors to create and operate Memphis Farmers Market to respond to a growing demand for a local farmers market downtown. The Memphis Farmers Market (MFM) is a seasonal outdoor market located in the Pavilion at Central Station in the historic South Main Arts District. The all-volunteer Board of Directors has created a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, and has an application pending with the IRS for 501(c)(3) status.
Why hasn’t Downtown Memphis had a Farmers Market before now?
Growing conditions in the Memphis area are unusually strenuous, and many small farmers preferred to market through roadside stands. Many older farmers are winding down their operations. This is the first time a group of civic activists has planned long-term to establish and maintain a market to provide families with locally-grown farm products.
Are there other farmer markets in the Memphis area?
Yes, and we encourage you to visit them as well. The Memphis Farmers Market is always looking for opportunities to partner with other community farmers markets. Many of our vendor also sell at other markets. Other area markets include the Agricenter Farmers Market, Farmers Market at the Garden (Memphis Botanic Garden) and Winchester Market. Outside the city there is also the Arlington Open Air Market and Fayette County Farmers Market.
How can I become a vendor?
Visit our Become a Vendor page to download the Vendor Packet.
How should I offer a suggestion for or comment on the Market?
Stop by the MFM information table and put it in our suggestion box, or use our contact us form.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, and we offer complimentary pet sitting outside the main pavilion area. We love pets, but TN. Health Dept. regulations prohibit dogs inside the pavilion area, with the exception of service animals.
Can I ride my bicycle to the market?
Yes, and we offer a bike rack nearby the pavilion. We also serve as the starting and ending point for the every 1st and 3rd Saturday Memphis Hightailers Downtown Historic Bike Ride. The guided ride is free and starts promptly at 9am.