Nourish Knoxville was incorporated in 2013 in order to expand upon the local food work started through the Market Square Farmers Market, its vendors, staff, and other projects.
The Market Square Farmers Market was started on Market Square in 2004 and grew to be one of the top producer-only farmers markets in the country. As the market grew, it became apparent that there was no non-profit working on food issues in the Knoxville area. Market director Charlotte Tolley convened a group of local-food loving people to become the first board of directors, and they created Nourish Knoxville to take on projects in the Knoxville food shed beyond the farmers markets.
2004
Market Square Farmers Market opens on Market Square.
It was open on Saturdays only, May through November, with
craft vendors participating on 2nd Saturdays only
2005
The Wednesday Market Square Farmers Market opens, from 4 – 7 PM
2006
Craft vendors are included in all Market Square Farmers Markets
and the Wednesday market is moved to 11 AM – 2 PM
2007
Market Square Holiday Market opens on Market Square
2009
Market Square Farmers Market becomes the first farmers market in the
state of Tennessee to accept EBT/SNAP through a scrip system
2013
Nourish Knoxville’s incorporation
2013
Nourish Knoxville publishes the first East Tennessee Local Food Guide
2014
Nourish Knoxville opens the first Winter Farmers Market
2014
Nourish Knoxville receives 501(c)(3) designation
2016
Nourish Knoxville holds the first annual Winter Warmer fundraising dinner