COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Giving back takes many forms, whether direct assistance, as offered by Sarah Thurman and the staff of the Athens Farmers Market, left, or restaurants such as The Pine participating in a block party fund raiser, right. PHOTOS BY OLYN GEE
Farmers, chefs and volunteers donate their time and produce to benefit the market’s community outreach programs. “Buying a ticket for the Autumn Harvest Feast is a fun way to show your support,” market manager Sarah Thurman said. The 2018 feast raised $13,000 to fund the market’s two assistance programs: Double SNAP and Farm Rx. Double SNAP assists individuals who are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps). When shoppers visit the market to purchase fresh produce, the market matches every SNAP dollar the individual spends, enabling people with limited means to afford more farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
The FARM Rx program — short for Food As Real Medicine Prescription program — goes a step beyond. This program targets those in the community who face food insecurity and provides nutrition education and financial assistance. During the six-month program, the market gives each participating family member $1 a day to assist them in buying fresh produce. “We have found that when the issue of affordability is off the table, people overwhelmingly choose fruits and vegetables,” Thurman said. Smaller scale events that benefit charities in and around Athens happen throughout the year. For example, in August, Milledge Ave-
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