Since August of last year, the East Point Farmer’s Market has been providing a solution to a city that has been described as a ‘food desert.’

To combat and fill that void, on every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon, the farmers market is held at the Downtown East Point Commons Area at 2757 East Point Street.

“The market was started in response to a huge outcry from the citizens really wanting and needing a fresh market in the area,” said Margie Thorpe, one of the markets coordinators. “As a lot of folks now, on the Southwest side of Atlanta, we really don’t have the same kind of efforts that a lot of other communities have.”

Anywhere from nine to 12 vendors frequent the market each third Saturday, with goods ranging from fresh jams and jellies, artisan cheese and breads, and farm eggs.

Some vendors include King Pops, Pierce’s Peaches and Buttersweet Bakery.

One type of vendor that Thorpe said that has been of particular focus recently is organic farmers.

“At our last market, we had the first of organic blackberries,” she said.

Since the event’s emergence, attendance has remained steady around 250 to 300 residents, according to Downtown Development Coordinator Erin Rodgers.

“I think it’s remained around the same,” she said. “We have added a few people because of people being more aware. It’s definitely growing.”

Rodgers added that one unique aspect of their farmers market is its accessibility.

“One of the things that makes our farmers market unique is the proximity to Marta,” said Rodgers. “They can get off the Marta train and walk a block. Gives an option to those who don’t have cars or don’t want to drive.”

Demonstrations from local restaurants are also featured along with activities for children and morning yoga.