Market Wagon announced the launch of its online farmers market and delivery service in Chattanooga. Consumers now have more ways to order from their favorite local farms and artisanal food vendors. Market Wagon LLC, a startup company focused on helping farmers get their products to local consumers, says that its newest local food hub in Chattanooga is its third market launch in the state of Tennessee. The company is now accepting home delivery orders.
The delivery area includes: Marion, Hamilton, Bradley, Sequatchie, Rhea, Meigs, and McMinn in Tennessee; and Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Chattooga, and Gordon in Georgia
Dubbed an "online farmers market," the service allows customers to browse locally grown products on their computer or smartphone throughout the week and place an order from multiple local vendors with one single checkout. Orders are delivered each Wednesday afternoon in insulated totes using ice packs as needed to preserve freshness. Area residents can enjoy local shopping not only during harvest season but all year long after most physical farmers' markets have closed for the season.
According to Market Wagon co-founder Dan Brunner, "Market Wagon's mission is to enable food producers to thrive in their local and regional markets." The company accomplishes that mission, Mr. Brunner says, by "providing exceptional choice and service to their nearby customers who will know exactly where their food comes from. We have attracted plenty of attention from Chattanooga shoppers and food producers eager for our launch. Our online store contains everything you'd expect to find at a physical farmers market – local farm-fresh eggs, dairy, meat, produce, baked goods, and more."
"This business is all about giving consumers more ways and easier access to buy local – and giving farmers and food producers more ways to reach them," said Nick Carter, co-founder, and CEO of Market Wagon. According to a recent survey of food consumers, over 44 percent of respondents have already tried ordering groceries online. "By bringing the same products you'd expect at a local farmers market into an online shop, we are increasing the market for local farms and artisans, and ultimately it's those vendors that win." Mr. Carter, born and raised on a small family farm, is passionate about the company's mission.
More than 200 local products are available to choose from in the Chattanooga market, with more vendors loading new products every day.
Shopping requires no upfront fees or long-term subscriptions. Interested food producers can apply to become a vendor on the company's website, MarketWagon.com.
Market Wagon also operates local food networks in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Louisville.