Our Roots

Formerly known as the Hub City Farmers’ Market, Hub City Roots is a non-profit organization that focuses on agriculture and food access in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Our non-profit was started by a group of individuals who wanted to initiate change in our community. The Hub City Farmers Market has run ever since then, and we have expanded to add many more programs that directly impact the local food system. We rebranded in 2023 to encompass that expansion, renaming our organization Hub City Roots. It is from humble roots that we have grown, and none of it would have been possible without the continuous support of our amazing Sponsors and passionate community. Our organization is committed to closing the food equity gap in Spartanburg County by offering multi-faceted and grass roots programs including Hub City Farmers Market, Urban Farm, and Seed to Table Program. We will continue to uphold our mission - to strengthen the local food system for a more sustainable and healthy future for Spartanburg.

2023 Impact Report

Meet the Team

Heather Raines

Executive Director
Heather, originally from Peoria, Illinois, has lived in Spartanburg for the past 30 years. She attended Converse University and raised her son here. Heather's commitment to community development led her to join the Hub City Roots team in 2014. Heather found satisfaction in witnessing the tangible impact of her work as Market Manager. She cherishes the connections formed with vendors and customers alike. Her passion is unwavering, and her commitment to the Hub City Roots mission shines through in her new role as Executive Director.
Ben Lea

Director of Agricultural Outreach
Ben joined the Hub City Roots Team in 2019. His love of the great outdoors shows in his role as the Urban Farm Manager, and so does his green thumb! With a BS in Recreation, he first spent time working with youth as a Summer Camp Director. He is certified in first aid, mental health aid, CPR, beekeeping, and mountain biking instruction. In his free time, he can be found working on his carpentry skills. He gains motivation from, "seeing the Youth gain skills, resilience, confidence, responsibility and knowledge.”
Jenni Callahan

MARKET DIRECTOR
The child of a Marine, Jenni grew up all over the country but has spent most of her adult life in the Upstate. With nearly a decade of farming experience and eight years vending at HCFM, she is passionate about supporting local farms and small businesses in the community. She considers Saturday mornings the highlight of her week, where she enjoys socializing with her co-workers, vendors, and shoppers as well as stocking up on goodies to take home to her five children! A true lover of agriculture and food systems, she brings experience and light with her to each and every market.

Our Farmers Market is the longest running in the Upstate of South Carolina. We operate from April until December during our regular season and will be extending to our Winter Market as well.

Breaking Barriers

Hub City Roots is the only entity in the area that currently allows SNAP users to double their funds for fresh, local, and healthy food through our Double SNAP program.

Hub City Roots is the only market in Spartanburg County that accepts Senior Voucher Redemption through S.C. DSS.

Hub City Roots is the only organization in the area that has a USDA Farm to School Grant for nutritional and agricultural education through their Seed to Table Program.

The Board of Hub City Roots

Carmeisha White

Board Chair | Northside Development Group
Joe Lever

Treasurer | Roebuck Family Dentistry, DMD
Michael Judice

Secretary | McMillan Pazdan Smith
Aundi Hunter

City of Spartanburg
Marquice Clark

District 7 Schools
Victoria Novak

Greenville Literacy Association
Aqil Sukura

Prisma Health | MD
Ian Toomey

Guyton Law Firm

A Community Space at

Harvest Park

Northside Harvest Park is home to the Hub City Farmers Market and the Hub City Roots Urban Farm, adjacent to The Butterfly Foundation, and Butterfly Creek and Park.

Harvest Park grew from the idea that a community working together could fight food disparities in Spartanburg. The facility springs from the effort of many partners: local, regional, and national, all with the idea of creating a “farm to fork” opportunity in a food desert. Harvest Park offers Northside residents a chance to buy healthy produce within walking distance for the first time in more than a generation. It also gives the greater Spartanburg community a place to gather for the weekly farmers market, concert, party, or other event.

This ground-breaking shopping plaza represents all aspects of the food system. At the rear of the property, the Urban Farm intensively cultivates produce on a half-acre site, which is sold at the farmers market or donated to local food pantries. The front pavilion serves as a space for customers to come and enjoy a day while supporting their local producers. In concept, design, and execution, Harvest Park is a model of collaboration and determination to rid the community of a food desert.

Interested in renting Harvest Park for your next event? Find out more at the link below. Or contact Heather Raines at hraines@hubcityfm.org for more information.

Rental Guidlines