Our History

In 2014 we began work developing our first farmers market and creating meaningful community experiences through the first years with the Travelers Rest Farmers Makret, Greer Farmers Market, Sundat Brunch Market at Hampton Station, and dozens of events where connections to local food created an engaged healthy community like The Tomato Sandwich Taste-Off.

These creative endeavors led to one of our current markets, The Toasty Farmer; Greenville’s Winter Farmers Market, that has been in operation for a decade located in Greenville’s West End. 

Our neweset market at Bridgeway Station has served the Mauldin and Simpsonville area with fresh local produce, artisan breads, cheese, honey, eggs, meat, and an array of small food producers and handmade crafts.

Creating spaces where local can shine and our community is connected to fresh and local food has been central for over 10 years. In 2024 Ola Markets became a non-profit to support healthy community by helping local growers and makers thrive, offer connection to healthy choices, and to make local food the default choice for everyone.

Our mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. 

 Our Programs aim to develop a community of educational support for a healthy sustainable lifestyle. 

Market Cooks! We link chefs to markets and offer free recipe tasting and interactive experiences to make local food the default choice for our community by showcasing what nutrient dense food tastes like. Giving people the directions to prepare freshly harvested food empowers folks and families to make fresh food a part of their diet, daily.

Market Kids! Children are the heart of our market and we provide outlets for learning, play and fun for them each week to entertain and educate about the importance of local food, handmade art, and movement.

Market Talks! Our markets host community leaders to share skill wealth with our market goers with a focus on a holistic sustainable lifestyle. Guests can come to the market and learn about gardening, herbalism, self care, and healthy habits. Anyone can join our classes for free, and they are open to the public.