Farmers markets will open but COVID-19 strikes at the communal spirit
The West Broadway Farmers Market in Freedom Square is set to open on June 19. Photo courtesy of Appetite for Change
By David Pierini Staff Reporter
Northside farmers markets are getting ready to open after state officials determined they are essential and thus exempt should COVID-19 stay-at-home orders continue into the summer.
But the flow of the markets, at least for the first few weeks, will not have their usual bustle and intimacy.
The managers of the Camden and West Broadway markets are developing social distancing protocols to keep vendors and customers safe.
The Minneapolis Lyndale Farmers Market, a daily market that opens April 25, will have signs and staff directing customers to maintain at least six-feet between people. Extra tables will serve as a barrier in front of vendors.
“While mingling and chatting have always been an important part of the market experience, given current health and safety recommendations, we ask that you minimize your interaction with others and complete your marketing efficiently,” a notice posted to the Lyndale market’s website reads. “Please do not treat the market as a place to gather and socialize at this time.”
The Camden market will return to the North Market parking lot on June 6 but with a drive-up system, market manager Chaz Sandifer said. Customers will stay in their cars as they receive boxes of goods they’ve ordered ahead of time online.
The West Broadway Farmers Market, located in Freedom Square, will open its 16-week season on June 19. Market manager DeVon Nolen said planning is underway, and market workers will likely limit the number of customers in the market area. Vendors will also be spaced further apart and may have an extra table in front of their stands to place purchases and exchange money.
Nolen said the guidelines were drafted by the Minnesota Farmers Market Association after state Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson confirmed markets would not be part of closures impacting bars and restaurants.
There will be additional hand-washing stations at the West Broadway Market. Food for on-site consumption at the markets will be prohibited in the short term.
“We are planning a full season, but this might change,” Nolen said. “There are so many things up in the air right now. One of the draws of the market is that it's a big communal space, and that’s something we don’t have a lot of in North Minneapolis. Some of that intimacy will be taken away, but we have to follow all of the precautions.”
Sandifer said that despite the restrictions, the market will still bring people out and be a source for healthy food.
She said customers will likely have to order at least 48 hours ahead. She is also trying to develop a delivery system for senior citizens who may not be able to visit the market.
“It will be time to rebuild and bring the community together, but in a different way,” Sandifer said. “All of our lives stopped. This isn’t going to be perfect, but people need to sell food and people need to buy food. This will be something to start with.”
Sandifer and Nolen both said they hope the social distancing measures can be relaxed as the market season progresses.
Nolen said Minneapolis farmers markets generated $13 million for the city in 2018, but there are other benefits that are more difficult to quantify, especially the social benefits.
“For 16 weeks, I watch people transform,” she said. “I will miss those things that make summer full and rich for me. Hopefully, it’s short-lived.”