I came to Forsyth Farmers' Market first as a shopper who loves local food, and wants to support farmers. Then I started learning about all the work FFM does beyond the Saturday market and the more I learned the more I wanted to get involved. I'm honored to serve on the board, and have been BLOWN AWAY by the way the organization has risen to the challenge of COVID-19. Here are a few reasons to support FFM:

• Early in the pandemic FFM created a fund to supply fresh food for those in need. To date the fund has raised $7,000 and those funds were used to buy from local growers, helping another group whose livelihood was damaged by COVID restaurant closures. Staff worked long hours to get the food to those hit hardest by job losses and school closures. 
• Staff, board, and vendors pivoted quickly and effectively to rethink the layout of the Saturday market to increase safety, and put practices in place to reduce the risk of transmission. People felt safer shopping with us, especially when they knew FFM was leading with science-backed best practices.
• Since the pandemic started FFM has welcomed over 300 new SNAP eligible families as market and Farm Truck 912 shoppers. FFM doubles every SNAP dollar, ($10 of SNAP benefits becomes $20 of tokens to spend on local food.)  FFM is consistently the #1 market in Georgia for SNAP program shoppers, which translates into more vulnerable Savannah residents having access to the most healthful foods.

Forsyth Farmers' Market is SO MUCH MORE THAN A MARKET... So please join me in supporting this vital work as we enter a very challenging winter. Thank you!!