- This initiative aims to improve access to fresh food options for residents who may face barriers in attending the weekend market.
- Organizers hope to expand the store’s hours and relaunch the Farm Truck 912 program soon.
The new year has brought some new initiatives, events and collaborations to the Forsyth Farmers Market, which was facing significant downsizing late last year due to a cash flow shortage.
As the beloved Savannah non-profit navigates restructuring, including temporarily halting Farm Truck 912 and other programs, it has started a new venture that organizers hope will serve residents in a similar way: a corner store inside their office building.
Opening Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Forsyth Farmers Market will operate the Forsyth Farmers’ Market Corner Store at 6228 Waters Ave. The store will offer a curated selection of fresh produce from local farmers and artisanal food items from small businesses usually represented at the Forsyth Famers’ Market Saturday market in Forsyth Park.
“Building a local food system is something that’s really important to our organization,” said Asia Harold, Director of Community Engagement for Forsyth Farmers Market. “With the Farmers Market, there are some barriers to access there, whether it be transportation, living with a disability or work schedules, it’s not always the most accessible.”
Forsyth Farmers Market to temporarily suspend programs due to cash flow shortage
How to feed the 35k Savannahians living with food insecurity? Community gardens, group says
The Corner Store opens an avenue for access to fresh foods throughout the week and an opportunity to shop in a less hectic environment. FFM moved into their offices on Waters Ave. in August 2024, and knew from the beginning that they were going to have more space than it was used to. A retail space in the office just made the most sense for that.
The Corner Store will be working in tandem with Farm Truck 912, which hasn’t relaunched with a schedule, but Harold said they are hoping to have it finalized within the month or so. FFM also hopes to, eventually, expand the hours of the Corner Store outside of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with weekend and evening hours.
The Corner Store will carry a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farms as well as artisanal delights, including handcrafted cheeses, breads, jellies and jams. Prepared food offerings from beloved market vendors include delicious granola, small-batch coffee blends, hot sauces, stone ground grits and local honey.
“We’re excited to support Forsyth Farmers’ Market vendors and to offer area residents the opportunity to pick up their favorite farmers’ market items during the week,” Harold said. “The Corner Store on Waters Avenue represents our latest effort to expand access to farm-grown produce and increase engagement with our local food system.”
Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for the Savannah Morning News, covering the municipalities, and community and cultural programs. You can reach her at [email protected]
发表回复