Anonymous donor steps in to help Forsyth farmers’ market amid government shutdown

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The government shutdown is continuing into the weekend, and now, it’s impacting the Forsyth Park Farmer’s Market SNAP Doubling program.

The government shutdown isn’t set to disrupt SNAP benefits for approximately 30 days, but the SNAP doubling program matches SNAP dollars to allow recipients to buy more fruits and vegetables.

It’s made possible through the help of non-profit, Wholesome Wave Georgia.

“Unfortunately, due to the current government shutdown, they’re unable to access their federal funding”, explained Forsyth farmers’ market manager, Asia Herald.

Without this partnership, the local economy could miss out on $22,000 a month, if funding isn’t restored.

“That’s money that is going into the pockets of our local food producers here in the area. And it’s also preventing us from getting the most nutrient dense local produce into the hands of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Herald said.

On Saturday morning, an anonymous donor stepped in to help, agreeing to cover any costs sustained on Saturday. While this is good news for now, this program is now dealing with a time of uncertainty.

“If the government shutdown isn’t relieved or we don’t receive additional funding for future weeks...we won’t be able to, dispense those green plastic tokens and double our EBT benefits,” Herald said.

Without a long-term solution, shoppers as well as farmers could soon be feeling the effects of this shutdown.