ST MATTHEWS, Ky. — Many farmers markets in Kentucky will open this Saturday, May 9 and just like everything else impacted by COVID-19, consumers will see changes.
Your neighborhood market will be a completely different experience.
Here are some of the changes
- Only one member per family will be allowed to shop
- Don't touch the merchandise. Let the farmer help you.
- Consider ordering online or preorder
- Avoid using cash as much as possible
Some of the farmers markets have links to their vendors through their Facebook pages and you connect with them that way to preorder.
Kentucky officials are requiring booths be 10 feet apart, which means you'll likely find fewer vendors at your favorite market.
"It's a completely different set up. This is our 14th year and farmer's markets are really transitioning from community gathering spaces to outdoor markets. So I encourage people to think about them as more of open-air grocery stores,” said Penny Peavler who volunteers with the St. Matthews Farmers Market.
Shoppers can expect to see volunteers at most of the markets. They're on hand to help inform customers about the changes and to make sure social distancing guidelines are being followed.
The St. Matthews Farmers' Market is moving from Beargrass Church. It will now be a couple doors down on Shelbyville Road. COVID-19 closed the church campus. This also happens to be the home church for Governor Andy Beshear.
The farmers' market at LaGrange's courthouse square will also open Saturday. Board Member Scott Griffin admits, like many other markets, there won’t be the same atmosphere but they’re grateful to still have this outlet for people to get fresh, healthy food from local farmer.
“LaGrange loves our farmers markets. We have a ton of people who love to come out and bring their family and walk along the sidewalks and chat with other folks and catch up. But, in this day-and-age and this time we're in, it's unfortunately it's just not possible," Griffin says.
While you might not find all of the fresh produce and goods you've grown to expect at your local farm markets, be patient. Farmers are trying to safely navigate through COVID-19 just like you.
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