FARM 2 FACTS – Alfonso Morales, PhD

“COVID: What Can Government Officials Learn from Farmers Market Managers?”

Farmers markets operate on a few simple principles:

1. They connect locally produced crafts and foods with consumers.
2. They are places consumers practice community.
3. They convey information and opportunities people will discover and make their own.

For generations, marketplaces have contributed to the community in many ways:

1. Promoted individual and public health,
2. Served as conduits for information and healthy food,
3. Offered opportunities for exercise and social life,
4. Provided learning opportunities for immigrants and every other sector of a community.

The Brookings Institution and Project for Public Spaces

“Farmers markets are vital during COVID-19, but they need more support”

• • FULFILLING ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND ECONOMIC NEEDS
  • ADAPTING TO PUBLIC HEALTH REALITIES
  • FARMERS MARKETS NEED MORE SUPPORT

Oregon Farmers Markets Association (OFMA) COVID-19 Resources

This resource has been developed for farmers markets, based on the original essential business exemption guidelines, plus the newest retail guidelines and restaurant guidelines available from the Oregon Health Authority, and has been reviewed and approved by state officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture as appropriate interpretations for the farmers market community.

Alaska Farmland Trust and Alaska Farmers Markets Shop Safe & Local Sign

COVID FMNP/SFMNP: Memos and Q&A

FMNP/SFMNP

FMNP Memo: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Waiver Authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Questions and Answers on Program Flexibilities

SFMNP Memo/Q&A: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Administrative Flexibilities during a Pandemic and accompanying Questions and Answers

WSFMA Signage for Safe Market Operations

WSFMA curated gallery of “safe market” signage, including examples from the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC as well as Seattle’s Neighborhood Farmers Markets, Poulsbo Farmers Market, Bellingham Farmers Market, and others.

Agricultural Institute of Marin: Setting Up Your Farmers Market Booth Under COVID-19 Guidelines

Farmers Markets are essential services during the current Shelter-In-Place order. This video shares some helpful tips for Market Participants (vendors) setting up their booth at farmers markets during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: Farmers Market Guidance

The Agency of Agriculture recognizes the importance of farmers markets to our farmers, communities, heritage and culture.  We are excited to announce that farmers markets will be able to re-open on May 1, following guidance from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

This guidance is intended to help farmers markets’ serve communities and provide direct access to
healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting local farmers and food businesses.

District of Columbia: Mayor’s Order 2020-058

Mayor Bowser Issues Order Establishing Social Distancing Protocols for Food Sellers and Requirements for Farmers’ Markets to Operate During Public Health Emergency

SNAP: COVID-19 Waivers by State

On April 10, 2020, USDA issued a letter denying several types of waivers requested by state SNAP agencies that do not meet requirements for approval.  FNS is working to add those requests to the individual state pages listed in the link below.