Bay Area farmers markets work to create a safe shopping environment

Some Bay Area farmers markets have closed amid the continuing safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, but many remain open because they are considered essential businesses.

Customers and farmers alike depend on direct-to-consumer fresh produce and other market products. Knowing where their food comes from and supporting local farmers is an important part of why consumers shop local farmers markets each week. It is vital to food access for consumers and the livelihoods of farmers.

It is also a good alternative to the grocery store at this time. Farmers markets have the quantity and quality of product, while supermarkets sometimes do not have stock available. You know farmers markets have great quality and freshness, and they offer a wider variety of products.

Fewer people handle farmers market products, which come from the farmer to you. A farmers market environment can feel safer because there are no small aisles or crowded check-out lines, making social distancing easier.

Shoppers on food assistance also depend on farmers markets to purchase fresh produce each week using CalFresh/SNAP benefits, especially with the Market Match program that doubles the amount they can spend on healthy foods.

Social Distancing

While you’re shopping at the farmers market, we want you to feel as safe as possible by providing as many safety precautions as we can. But we also need your help and ask that you follow some safety guidelines to help everyone create a social distancing yet friendly environment.

As farmers market operators, we will do our best to provide a comfortable and safe shopping experience. We have:

• Eliminated any food sampling.
• Encouraged farmers to provide grab-and-go, pre-packaged produce so your purchases are easier to make.
• Informed farmers and producers on best practices of booth set-up to allow space between customers. Market managers are chalking the booth areas to reflect the six-foot personal safety distance
• Added space between the booths, 10 feet where possible, and reconfigured them so there is easier access and departure.
• Provided hand washing stations and hand sanitizer for customers when possible.
• Eliminated information booths so we can avoid lingering. We want you to safely shop and then leave with your purchases.

A safe place to shop

We ask customers to please follow the following simple code of conduct to help ensure the farmers market are a safe place to shop:

• Practice social distancing by maintaining six feet of space between other shoppers.
• Wait outside the booth until it is free of other shoppers, then take your turn.
• Minimize the size of your group when shopping.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds.
• Buy pre-bagged items whenever you can; farmers are preparing them ahead for you.
• Wash reusable produce bags between visits.
• If you are sick, stay home. Ask a friend or family member to pick things up for you instead.
• Only touch fruit/veggies that you intend to buy, or have the farmer pick out your produce for you.
• Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables when you get home.

Although the Concord farmers market is currently closed, the Martinez market is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Estudillo and Main streets.

We will keep you updated on any changes to farmers market schedules through the market Facebook pages and email newsletter. Or visit pcfma.org for current market information.

Thank you for your support.