Anniston receives Grant for Farmers Market

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded A $90,630 grant to the city of Anniston to enlarge and support its farmers market. City officials say an expanded market would help improve the health of residents while furthering plans to turn Anniston into a recreational tourism hub.

The grant will provide the city money for the farmers market during the next two years. Officials say the grant will be used mainly for infrastructure improvements, such as for a 40-by-120-foot tent to provide shade for farmers and residents as they look at produce.

The money will also be used to purchase more tables, chairs, signs, marketing materials and scanners that can accept cards through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

 The city opened the market for the first time in June in the parking lot of the Cheaha Brewing Company; nearby Zinn Park had been its previous location. The market remained open for 14 weeks and received more than 5,000 visitors before closing for the year.

Don Wambles, director of the Farmers Market Authority, said Anniston is poised to expand its farmers market. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries established the Farmers Market Authority to assist with the creation and development of farmers markets in the state.