SAVANNAH, Ga. — Clark and Sons Farm relies heavily on locals purchasing their produce, especially those who utilize SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy food.

For several years, the Forsyth Farmers Market has been a vital link between local farmers and families using SNAP benefits. The market implemented a doubling program allowing customers to receive twice the value for their purchases, thereby enhancing access to nutritious food.

However, with the current uncertainty surrounding SNAP, farmers are left wondering about the future.

Helen Fields of Joseph Fields Farms expressed her concern for consumers while exploring alternative ways to deliver produce to the community.

“I feel for the consumers in this situation,” she stated. “We are looking into different methods of distributing our produce. Ideally, churches and other community organizations will purchase the produce and then distribute it to those in need.”

Fields, with Joseph Fields Farms, described their business as one of the original vendors at the Forsyth Farmers Market someone who’s watched both the community and the economy change over time. She said small farmers were already going through hard times even before the shutdown talk started.

“A while back we were working with the food banks… that went out, I think back in March or April,” Helen said. “But it’s coming back. I feel bad for the small farmers if they don’t have the ability.”

Another vendor, Joe King with Clark and Sons Farm, said he’s already noticed a difference.

“The truth is I have so many deals that pays differently than just SNAP,” King said. “But I could tell in the last three weeks there has been a drop in sales… because a lot of people were worried about getting rid of all their SNAPs before it runs out.”

He said the uncertainty is weighing heavy not just on families but on farmers who rely on the program too.

“I feel sad about the vendors that did depend entirely on those SNAPs and where would they go from there,” said King. “You know… what that looks like for them.”

Still, both farmers said they’re trying to stay hopeful and keep serving the community.

“I am just going to keep that positive spirit… We might have some bad days but just keep hanging in there and stay positive,” King said. “Positive things usually come about.”

Farmers said they’ll keep showing up, even as they wait to learn what’s next.

received a statement from the Forsyth Farmers Market:

“We are still honoring snap tokens that are currently in circulation, as well as the doubling tokens, so people who currently still have them can redeem them as usual with vendors like they typically do. We are unable to issue new tokens at this time. We will be offering help and resources to those who utilize snap at our green information booth at the Saturday market beginning at 9 AM. Once the government shut down ends and snap returns, we will also be able to double tokens again as well. In the interim, we will be doing everything we can to help provide fresh nutrient dense food to those who are most vulnerable in our community.”