Forsyth Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 1-7, 2021. Throughout the week, FFM will be highlighting what makes the market special on social media. And on Saturday August 7th, the week will culminate in a market celebration including music, activities, guest appearances from city officials, and of course lots of local foods!

In the midst of a global pandemic, farmers markets — like all other small businesses — have innovated to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. Market managers have been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions and innovation to protect staff, customers, and community. When conventional food supply chains failed at the start of the pandemic, farmers markets and local food systems clearly displayed the resiliency of short supply chains and interest in local foods spiked nationwide. In fact, FFM expanded to have one of the highest grossing markets in its history. Now, the market is headed into another year of building resilience in our community and bringing people together. 

FFM Market Manager, Ashleigh Floyd Clark, states, “2020 was a very challenging year, but we also experienced incredible support from our local shoppers, and our vendors were able to be creative and adapt to what was needed. We did not lose a single vendor due to a COVID related business closure and actually experienced some of our busiest markets ever. We could not have survived 2020 without the overwhelming show of community support we experienced, and we are truly grateful to everyone who came out, and helped prove that local food systems are sustainable food systems.” 

FFM’s mission is to support participation and understanding of a local food system. Thanks to the support of our regular shoppers, resilient vendors, and supportive city officials, Forsyth Farmers Market was able to thrive and expand upon its mission during the pandemic. Farm Truck Boutique, was a new program started in July 2020, to give the spotlight to small local food artisans. FFM served more SNAP/EBT participants in both the Saturday market and Farm Truck 912 program. Additionally, donations to the Farm Truck 912 program were at an all time high, allowing us to serve more people throughout Savannah.