Question: Our opening day is coming up. How do I plan to keep the market operating safely?
Answer: Farmers markets must get innovative in the way they provide food access to their customers while keeping in line with social distancing requirements. Consider the restraints of your market and what is feasible for your market. We encourage you to check out the resources put out by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Community Farm Alliance for markets across the state, which are provided below.
Key things to keep in mind:
Communicate – This will be key to keeping vendors and customers informed on what is happening at your market.
Communicate with your local health department and key community partners about the necessary steps to take before you can open.
Communicate with your vendors about what will be changing at the market. Explain any new precautions the market is taking, such as no sampling, no cooking demonstrations, and proper booth sanitation and personal hygiene.
Communicate what public health measures the market is taking and any alternative options available for your customers.
Be Innovative – This includes how your market approaches set up, safety measures for vendors/customers, and signage.
Keep in mind the social distancing and sanitation recommendations with ALL interactions. Have your vendors consider quick pick-ups with payment over the phone or online.
This is not going to be a normal market season. Remember, we are all navigating this time together. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Community Farm Alliance have more resources on their websites for you to use to guide you in opening your market now. As always, give KCARD a call if you want to discuss practices your market can take during this time. You can reach us at 859-550-3972 or via email at kcard@kcard.info.