A market with a mission

On South Main Street in downtown Memphis sits a storefront that feels like stepping into the center of a community — a place where farmers, food makers, and neighbors come together with purpose. The Farm Market Co-Op is more than a market; it is a mission woven into every shelf, every product, and every conversation. And at the heart of it all is the owner, Kristen Cerda, whose passion for clean food and community support shapes everything this market stands for.

LOCAL MAKERS, REAL FOOD, TRUE CONNECTION

From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the intention behind the space. The Farm Market Co-Op was created to give local farmers, homesteaders, and crafters a permanent home where they can share their work with Memphis. Fresh produce arrives straight from nearby farms — some even from Kristen’s own garden — alongside locally raised meats, dairy, eggs, small-batch pantry staples, homemade baked goods, herbal remedies, and handcrafted artisan items. Every product has a face and a story behind it. This is food and craftsmanship you can trust.

When conversing with Kristen, I was struck by how authentic and open she was. She spoke with conviction about the importance of knowing where your food comes from and why clean, responsibly raised ingredients matter. To her, local food isn’t a trend — it’s a responsibility. She believes that when people have access to fresh, honest, locally sourced options, they not only eat better but also build stronger connections to the community around them.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES IT POSSIBLE

Kristen shared how vital community support has been to her journey. Without customers choosing to shop local — choosing to support small farms, family businesses, and local artisans — a market like hers couldn’t survive. The Farm Market Co-Op thrives because Memphis shows up for it. And in return, Kristen continues to create opportunities for others, giving dozens of small vendors a place to grow.

A PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN BELIEF

That spirit of collaboration is beautifully reflected in her long-standing support of Oh Grate!. Kristen believed in their mission from the earliest days, long before the brand expanded across the city. Today, her refrigerators are fully stocked with Oh Grate! meals, bringing convenient, wholesome options right into the downtown community. This partnership is helping Oh Grate! reach more people while offering Farm Market customers another trustworthy, locally prepared option — the very definition of local businesses supporting one another.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Kristen is preparing to take her mission further into the city. She is transforming a renovated trailer into a mobile stop-and-shop, giving her the ability to bring fresh produce, local goods, and the work of her vendors to neighborhoods across Memphis. The idea would include locals pre-ordering goods and being able to pick them up at a spot near them. It’s a bold, creative extension of her commitment to accessibility — ensuring that local food reaches as many families as possible.

EXPERIENCE THE MOVEMENT FOR YOURSELF

The Farm Market Co-Op stands as a reminder of what is possible when one person’s passion becomes a community’s shared mission. It is a place built on trust, hard work, and a deep belief in supporting those who grow and create close to home. And thanks to Kristen, Memphis has a place where good food and good people come together every single day.

The Farm Market Co-Op is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Stay connected and support their work by following @the_farm_market_co_op on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new vendors, events, and the launch of their mobile market.