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Seattle farmers markets adapting to reopen during coronavirus pandemic

The University District and Ballard Farmers Markets reopened this weekend with several precautions in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

SEATTLE — Two of Seattle's farmers' markets are reopening this weekend with new procedures in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect shoppers. 

Farmers' markets are considered "essential" under Gov. Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order, but most of them have remained closed for the last several weeks. 

Market leaders said for the last month, they've been working closely with the city of Seattle, Public Health, and other Seattle Farmers Market organizations to plan the reopening of "safe, permitted farmers markets." 

On Saturday, the University District Farmers Market reopened with new social distancing guidelines in place and fewer vendors and shoppers allowed at one time. 

“The public is handling it very well," said Kurt Tonnemaker, of the Tonnemaker Hill Farms vendor on Saturday. "The social distancing, for the most part, a lot of people are wearing masks and gloves and taking precautions so I think it should be good."

While some of the markets reopened this weekend, Tonnemaker said there's no making up for the lost money over the last month.

"No, that money is gone, the river has gone by," said Tonnemaker. "We’re not going to be able to get that money back. We’re going to have to figure out alternative ways to sell things."

Tonnemaker said he wants to show people that it's safe to shop at the market, as long as proper social distancing rules are followed. 

“We are as much an essential food source as a grocery store or anyone else out there," said Tonnemaker. "This, actually outside environment is a much safer environment to shop in than a building."

The Ballard Farmers Market is reopening on Sunday, April 19, but primarily as a drive-through. There will be options for people who want to walk up, but market leaders are encouraging people to pre-order online and then drive-thru to pick up your items.

Here are some of the other changes shoppers can expect at farmers markets this weekend: 

  • There will be no sampling, no selling ready-to-eat food, no refilling reusable containers
  • No music, entertainment, cooking demos, or public seating areas.
  • The public is banned from touching produce - vendors will select and bag the product for you
  • Vendors and staff must wear protective gloves and do regular hand-washing. The public is also encouraged to wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and wear a face mask
  • Pre-paying for orders online or using contactless payment, such as Venmo, is encouraged
  • There will be a limit to the number of shoppers allowed in the market at one time. Shoppers are encouraged to maintain at least six feet of space between each other, and vendors will also be spaced out accordingly to adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Market leaders posted more guidelines for shoppers on their website, including making a list, designating one shopper per household, and shopping quickly and efficiently. 

Service dogs will be allowed, however, other pets should be left at home at this time. Shoppers can bring reusable bags, but you will be the only person touching them. 

"The safety and health of our shoppers, our farmers, and staff is critical – this is our primary concern and if we falter, we risk the closure of our market and delayed opening of West Seattle Farmers Market and Capitol Hill Farmers Market," read the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market in its latest update.

Mayor Jenny Durkan's office said the University District and Ballard markets received a one-time permit to reopen this weekend, which could be extended if everything goes well and shoppers and vendors follow the new guidelines.

More about the Ballard Farmers Market here

University District Farmers Market guidelines here.

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