Community Garden Blooms Amid Challenges for Forsyth Farmers’ Market in Savannah

Fresh Greens and Fresh Challenges in Savannah

As the sun dipped low on a breezy Friday evening, the lively spirit of community filled the air at Savannah Gardens. Residents, alongside the diligent staff from Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM), got their hands dirty planting an array of delicious veggies including lettuce, cabbage, garlic, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, and onions. These tasty crops are perfect for the cold weather, and everyone was excited to get started on their new community garden!

This garden is not just a patch of earth; it’s a significant part of FFM’s mission to make fresh, locally grown produce accessible to everyone in Savannah. The garden will be maintained by residents of the 448-unit housing complex, meaning it’ll become a blossoming part of their community. Aja Embry, FFM’s director of community building and education, expressed the goal of the garden beautifully: “Our goal is to enrich and give the community the tools to feel like they can come out here and make the space theirs.” How wonderful is that?

Weathering the Storm

While the seeds are being sown, FFM is facing its own transition—a significant downsizing that has made some waves. New Executive Director Debi Fowler stepped in a month and a half ago when the staff was 17 strong. Now, that number has dwindled to just five. Not an easy shift, especially as the organization gears up for a reorganization period.

Since its inception in 2009, FFM has been dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming space for the entire community. They’ve made strides over the years, most notably with the launching of Farm Truck 912 in 2013, a mobile market designed to bring fresh food into under-served neighborhoods. Thanks to generous support from grants, this initiative expanded various programs, including essential assistance programs aimed at helping those in need.

Crunching the Numbers

However, as Fowler took a closer look at the financials, it became clear that some hard decisions lay ahead. “We were all just sitting down and looking at the numbers,” she said, “and going, this is not going to work, not even to the end of the year, but certainly not long term.” It sounds like a classic case of growing pains where FFM had been ambitious but perhaps stretched too thin.

In recent years, they have embraced growth with open arms, adding positions they sometimes couldn’t financially support. With the realization that costs were outpacing revenue, Fowler knew something had to change. “Right now, we’re just tabling everything until we can sit and restructure,” she noted with a sense of determination.

Taking a Step Back

Despite the challenges, the weekly market at Forsyth Park continues without interruption. Fowler mentioned they might explore new options like pre-orders for the Farm Truck to streamline operations and minimize losses. “Even though we’re a nonprofit, that’s a big loss from the staff and operations standpoint,” she explained.

As FFM tackles these difficulties head-on, Fowler and her team remain optimistic about the future. “The market is such an institution in Savannah,” she said. “It’s crucial for areas that lack access to fresh food.” Their commitment to the community and the mission they uphold shines brightly, even amid the twists and turns.

Looking Ahead

With the restructuring plans in motion, the organization hopes to streamline its programs while keeping the community at its core. In recent weeks, they’ve emphasized the need for solid fundraising efforts alongside their grants to create a sustainable future. Fowler stated, “We remain committed to navigating these challenges with transparency, compassion, and integrity.” Isn’t it reassuring to know they are still planted firmly in their mission?

As Savannah residents eagerly await what’s to come, remember that the greens sprouting in community gardens may just be a glimpse of a brighter future for food access in the area. Let’s hope the friendly faces at Forsyth Farmers’ Market continue to bring the freshness and community spirit we all cherish. 🌱