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Greater Lafayette Farmer's Markets Will Run Under COVID-19 Restrictions

Emilie S Syberg
/
WBAA

 

 

Greater Lafayette farmer’s markets will kick off their annual seasons as May begins, but the weekly events will be run under restrictions designed to keep vendors and attendees safe from COVID-19 infection. 

“We definitely do not want to limit fresh and local food to anybody right now,” said West Lafayette market coordinator Julia Zuchkov. “That’s our main priority.”

Both markets will limit the number of vendors; the downsizing allows for more space between booths, mostly those selling fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs. Customers will be discouraged from touching produce and lingering at tables, and asked to keep a socially distant six feet between themselves and other shoppers. 

Lafayette market coordinator Rebecca Jones says only 60 customers will be allowed into the market at a time. Rope lines will be created at each vendor’s booth to limit the amount of people waiting and help re-direct buyers as they exit a tent. Jones says a typical goal -- encouraging customers to stay, sample food, and enjoy the atmosphere -- isn’t possible right now, and people will have to rethink how they attend the market.

“Getting in line, grabbing their items, and leaving,” Jones said. “And not taking this as the typical social and gathering community event, as it has typically been seen.”

Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout both markets, and only one entrance and exit will be used. The first hour of each city’s market will only be open to customers at higher risk of a COVID-19 infection. 

Both markets will continue running programs that process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits for eligible market customers. 

Currently, both markets plan to operate under these guidelines through May. Purdue’s on-campus farmer’s market will not be open until July 2. 

 

*This post was updated Tuesday, April 27, to reflect that COVID-19 restrictions will be in place through May. Specific guidelines for June are pending.