A certified farmers’ market is considered essential food outlets and fall under the same category as grocery stores in the official order by Santa Cruz County instated on March 17 in response to concerns regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19.
Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Market opens 1-6 p.m. Wednesdays in downtown Santa Cruz, 9 to 1 p.m. Saturdays on the Santa Cruz Westside and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays in Live Oak.
Here is the message emailed Tuesday by events manager Nicole Zahm:
“The health and wellness of the markets, farmers and the community at large are of the utmost importance to us. We have implemented policies at our markets that provide for a safe experience including mitigating cross-contamination risks. Market managers will be diligent in checking that all vendors adhere to health and safety standards.
It is important that markets remain open to provide a channel for customers to access fresh healthy food needed for a healthy immune system, and a safe, healthy avenue for vendors to sell their wares. We are fortunate in that the markets benefit from sunlight’s natural disinfectant powers and an open-air, low risk environment. We ask for your support as we implement the following changes:
- All vendors are to use gloves and hand washing stations.
- All sampling of fruits, vegetables and other foods is suspended.
- No seating or tables will be offered.
- No bike valet offered.
- The music area and kids zone will be suspended.
- An additional hand washing station will be provided at each market.
We ask that customers:
- Refrain from wearing masks unless you are sick. If you aren’t feeling well please stay home.
- Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth (especially after handling money).
- Practice social distancing of six feet from any other person.
- Only touch what you purchase.”
For information about the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market, call 831-325-4294.
