Too busy to hit the Farmers’ Markets on Saturday? Then the Online Farmer’s Market might be your answer to locally grown, all natural produce and meats. Northeast Georgia Locally Grown is a collaborative marketplace with over 40 small farms contributing their goods. There are three pickup sites. In Habersham, the pickup is on Wednesday from 5-7pm at Grace-Calvary Church, 295 East Green St. just down from the library. Pickups in Rabun are at Mill Gap Farm and have just been added in Hall County at the Northeast Georgia History Center.
The market began as an idea of Chuck Mashburn, who with his wife Amy, run Mill Gap farm in Rabun county. Mashburn and Justin Ellis with the Soque River watershed decided to adopt a model from Athens called locally grown. With 10 farmers contributing, the market opened in April of 2010. Today, the market hosts over 40 farmers and has expanded from produce to eggs, locally pastured meats, baked goods, plants and flowers, honey, soaps and more. Gluten-free goods have been added in recent years.
This is how the market works. Sometime around 9pm on Fridays, the market opens. From Friday until Monday night at 9:00pm. Orders must be placed online between those hours for pickup that week. On Wednesday, orders can be picked up after 5pm until 7pm. For the first three orders, the market is open at no charge. After the third order, a $20 annual fee is required to continue placing orders.
Maureen Donohue and her family moved to Clarkesville from Atlanta and pickup every week at Grace-Calvary. “Its fantastic, it allows me to plan ahead for our meals based on what is fresh and local for the week. We just love it!” said Donohue as she loaded her SUV.
So, if Saturday markets aren’t convenient, try online. To join the market, go to: https://northeastgeorgia.locallygrown.net/ and click the “Sign in” tab. Create and account and then click on the “Market” tab and browse the choices for the week. Fill your shopping cart, make your payment and then join the fun at the pick-up in Clarkesville, at Grace Calvary. “Like” Northeast Georgia Locally Grown on Facebook. for more information. 
