Growing native

By Meg Veal

Correspondent

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The weekly downtown Cleveland farmers market that takes place today is a partnership aimed at supporting local agriculture, its organizers say.

The Greenway Table project, founded by Lee University graduate Jennifer Norton and downtown development organization MainStreet Cleveland, have helped nurture the market from a one-time event in 2008 to a weekly happening this year.

"It's great to be able to work with people who understand the importance of reconnecting to our food source, for the future of not only our families and communities, but also the world's environment and economic development and understanding," Miss Norton said.

The market at the Museum Center at Five Points is held in the evening so it doesn't conflict with the Bradley County farmers market on Peerless Road.

"Since downtowns are the original farmer's market locations, we found the perfect fit" MainStreet Executive Director Sharon Marr said.

"The results have exceeded expectations," she said. "We have had a great response from both farmers and customers."

Miss Norton said the Greenway Table is an educational garden with a mission to be a resource for food education.

She started the Greenway Table project in February and talked up the market to area growers. A committee helped set up the market and recruited farmers through the Bradley County Agricultural Extension office.

Miss Norton said she earned her degree in biology with an emphasis in ecology and biodiversity at Lee University in 2008. An internship at Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga bolstered her passion for the food movement and she has continued her education.

She is applying for several grants and hopes the Greenway Table will gain nonprofit status in the next couple of years.

"The key will be developing a board and getting money for the project," Miss Norton said.

Although community-supported agriculture is a national issue, Miss Norton said she's glad to be working on it in her hometown.

She's committed to the project for three years, she said, and she's balancing its demands with two jobs.

"I think I make my life sound crazier than it is," she said.

"But a huge part of this is the relationships you build and the lifestyle allows you to slow down -- eat with your family and your friends."

Meg Veal is located in Cleveland. E-mail her at megveal@gmail.com