Our Programs
Our Regular Programs
Nutrition Education Classes and Cooking Demos
We work closely with several partnering schools to bring healthy food access and nutrition education to after-school clubs and groups. These hands-on classes are free to our school partners and their students. We also hire and feature local chefs to prepare tastings for the general public – customers and visitors at local farmers markets, community hubs, and mission-oriented events.
Collaborative Fitness Opportunities
We team up with movement partners like the YMCA of Chattanooga and the Pop Up Project to co-host and promote monthly physical fitness activities. Though they vary in their offerings from group walks to mindful yoga classes, our goal is to build community through healthy lifestyle practices.
Double SNAP
Our organization oversees the Double SNAP program for six different local farmers’ markets. This means that we fund, troubleshoot, and manage the doubling of SNAP dollars of up to $20 per customer per day, ensuring that families in Chattanooga have access to fresh, locally grown produce year-round.
Second Saturdays
On a seasonal basis, we showcase several of Gaining Ground Grocery’s local farmers and producers on-site and offer children’s programming, which typically consists of an activity and a snack or small meal.
The Good Food Fair
Coming in fall 2026!
The Good Food Fair is a free, family-centered event in the fall designed with the intention of educating our community on the growing cycle, from seed to compost. With a plethora of activities designed for children ages 5-12, our rich partnerships with like-minded organizations such as The Food Forest Coalition, Southeast TN Young Farmers Association, and Crabtree Farms offer families the opportunity to learn more and engage with local agriculture. Additionally, we host resources onsite for parents, such as SNAP and WIC signups and a panel of pediatric specialists available to answer any questions.
Project Diabetes Funded Programs
Project Diabetes is a state-funded grant courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Health, designed to prevent and mitigate the impacts of chronic disease in our community. The grant’s priorities include creating equitable food and beverage environments where nutritious foods are readily available for everyone, and making physical activity an integral part of daily life.
Our programs under the Project Diabetes grant were designed to address the following metrics:
Supporting local food businesses that aggregate, distribute, and market regional produce;
Offering low-income participants matching funds to expand the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets;
Developing food literacy skills through hands-on gardening, nutrition education, and food preparation lessons for vulnerable populations;
Providing and promoting fresh water consumption;
Coordinating group activities that promote social interactions and community involvement among older adults;
Organizing monthly community fitness programs.
Double Up Food Bucks Participating Markets
Bingo’s Market
1080 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Open from 10 AM-12 PM on Saturdays from April-November
Brainerd Farmer’s Market
20 Belvoir Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Open from 10 AM-4 PM on Monday-Friday year-round
Crabtree Farms
1000 E. 30th Street
Chattanooga, TN, 37407
Open from 10 AM-3 PM on Fridays and Saturdays from April-November
Gaining Ground Grocery
1918 Union Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Open 12-6 PM on Wednesday-Saturday year-round
Main Street Farmer’s Market
Corner of Chestnut + W. 20th Street
Chattanooga, TN, 37408
Open 4-6 PM on Wednesdays year-round
Mobile Market
Times and locations vary. Learn more on their website.
⟶ Do you operate a local farmer’s market within Tennessee state lines and want to implement Double Up Food Bucks?
Reach out to our Program Manager, Cori, at ctinkham@chattfoodcenter.org for more information.
⟶ Interested in learning more about the Double Up Program?
Visit the Double Up East Tennessee site!