Who We Are
The East Lake Farmers Market (ELF Market), a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2009 to expand local access to fresh fruits and vegetables in an under-served area of Atlanta. The ELF Market is a producers market that exists to build community, strengthen our in-town economy, and encourage healthy lifestyles by making wholesome, locally-sourced food accessible to all neighbors. We support independent farmers and healthy growing practices. We actively promote healthy eating, food literacy, community-building and the work of other non-profits which, like ELF Market, also seek to serve the distressed and less prosperous in our community.
Our Mission:
The ELF Market exists to strengthen the local economy and encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting products and programs from local farmers, businesses and artisans. We pursue vendor practices, programs and partnerships that have environmental, social and economic integrity.
ELF Market Strives to:
• Provide education and community outreach to market patrons and the local community about the benefits of local food
• Provide a Public Health Intern to develop outreach programs to positively impact the community’s health, with special attention and emphasis to low income and senior residents of East Lake
• Support local non-profit organizations who work in the East Lake neighborhood and use their resources to reduce hunger, provide shelter, educate and improve the quality of life for our less fortunate neighbors
• Provide a safe, family-friendly gathering place for residents of East Lake and surrounding neighborhoods
• Provide access to healthy food to low income residents by accepting SNAP/EBT cards and doubling the value of these dollars via a Georgia Organics and Wholesome Wave grant
• Bring positive community activity to an area formerly known for drugs and crime
ELF Market 2010 Progress Report:
The 2010 season was a turning point for the ELF Market, growing from a volunteer efforts of two committed people to a full working board of volunteers, paid staff, interns, a website and social media presence. In 2010, the ELFM grew to 12 vendors a week and customer counts increased from an average of 60 a day to 160 a day, with 4200 customer visits supporting the market throughout the season! In addition, the ELF Market was awarded tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS, which means donations from supporters are now tax deductible. We are proud of all ELFM has accomplished and look forward to another successful season.
For more information on last year’s accomplishments, download the 2010 ELF Market Progress Report.
Meet the Manager:
Lou Linzie
Lou Linzie is an East Lake resident with a passion to build healthy communities and local economies by connecting and supporting our local farmers. She is a recent M.A. graduate with a degree in Sustainable Development, and experience in urban agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean. After returning to Atlanta in early 2010, she volunteered and worked with several local farms. Currently, she teaches urban gardening with two after school programs. Lou also enjoys homemade ice cream, outdoor sports, and loves everything to do with fresh herbs and natural medicines.
Join us from 9am – 1pm on Saturdays beginning May 7th!
