Fresh, Local & Natural
Photography by d. paul graham
During one of the most volatile times of food insecurity in this country, the Forsyth Farmers' Market continued to provide food for all, maintaining their commitment of giving back to the community.
photo by d. paul graham.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market never closed their proverbial doors. Even during the national quarantine, the market continued to implement their goal of providing access to nutritious groceries throughout one of the most volatile times for food insecurity in this country, providing access to fresh and local goods every Saturday morning. To avoid closing the market due to COVID-19, the market staff have redesigned the way vendors interact with the general public. Each vendor is now spread 20 feet from each other and 10-20 feet from the sidewalk, significantly extending the market from the Civil War monument in the middle of Forsyth Park to the south end of Park Avenue. This effort has provided a safe environment where the “six-foot” rule can easily be followed. Vendors are required to wear masks and gloves as well as provide hand sanitizer to all of their shoppers.
Many vendors have also implemented new ways to limit physical contact through added delivery options. The Hunter Cattle Company has organized a “farm to car” option where customers can pre-order at the farmers’ market and pick up their meat at the Hunter Cattle farm with a minimal contact service built on keeping the safety of their customers as their priority. Swampy Appleseed Mushrooms offers gourmet mushrooms (which are often supplied to local chefs in the area) served right to your door, ranging from the classic oyster mushroom to the unique Pecan truffle. Living Greens Organics is an urban garden that specializes in microgreens and live plants; they have made obtaining their goods more accessible by offering ordering from their website as well as through their social media pages. All of the vendors at Forsyth have adapted to better serve the community safely during this unusual time for markets.
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photos by d. paul graham.
