BFM Press Release
A Modified Bellingham Farmers Market to Reopen on April 11
4/1/20
Farmers Markets are an essential part of our economy and community. Shopping at farmers markets helps to support agricultural producers, ensure food access for all, and builds connections between producers and consumers. Farmers markets were recently listed as “essential infrastructure” in Governor Inslee’s proclamation on March 23rd.
The Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM) is a community icon among locals, and supports small family farms, local businesses, and helps feed people healthy, nutritious food. In response to COVID 19, the Bellingham Farmers Market was suspended on March 16. Since then, the organization has been working diligently with the Whatcom County Health Department and other local partners to create a modified market that ensures the health and safety of its vendors and shoppers.
The Bellingham Farmers Market is vital to the success of over one hundred local producers. They depend on the market being open in order to make sales, make ends meet, and ensure a thriving business. They want to feed you healthy, nutritious, tasty food – grown and made right here, where you live, work, and play. We hope you consider shopping at the farmers market for your produce and grocery needs. Every purchase truly makes a difference.
On Saturday, April 11, the season begins. From 10 am to 3 pm, you will get the chance to experience the Bellingham Farmers Market under this approved modified plan. Expect to see some of your favorite vendors, but also expect it to look and operate differently than normal.
Some key changes:
The market will only be offering farm produce and some other grocery staples, like bread, meat, and cheese.
Fewer vendors will be at the market to ensure that booths are adequately spaced to allow for social distancing among vendors and shoppers. Social distancing standards will be strictly enforced. Only a limited number of shoppers will be allowed to enter at a time.
Increased measures for health and safety including extra handwashing stations. Shoppers will not be allowed to touch produce or products – vendors must bag items at point of sale.
Entertainment, music, and eating areas have been suspended until further notice.
Limited entry and exit points. The shopper entrance will be located at the SW corner of the Depot Market Square – by the goat statue.
Vendor requirements:
Arrange your booth to encourage distance and direct the flow of customers. Add rope/ribbon at the front of your booth to create a boundary and enforce spacing between customers and products to insure items are out of reach.
Vendors must put signage up that reminds customers not to touch items.
Consider having “Display Only” items for customers to view (not touch), and have items for sale further back in the booth to prevent contamination.
All items must be bagged by the vendor (not the customer)
Pre-bag/pre-package produce/food as much as possible. Mark weights or prices on bags as much as possible.
Create a boundary at the back of booths. Do not allow customers to cross or go between booths.
Consider displaying a large sign that lists everything you have available (like a "menu") so shoppers are prepared when they enter your booth.
Encourage customers to pre-order/pre-pay and only pick up as much as possible.
Ask for exact change when possible. We recommend that you add payment options like credit cards, or hands-free payment options like Venmo or Paypal.
Minimize conversations with customers to focus on the transaction.
Inform Market staff of unsafe situations requiring immediate attention.
Also note that vehicle tow-rules will be in effect at the Depot Market parking lot to ensure social distancing measures. Please move your car out of the lot on Friday nights, preceding when the market operates. “No parking” signs will be posted as they usually are.
The Bellingham Farmers Market supports local sustainable agriculture by connecting the public with local farmers, artisans, and other producers in an economically viable marketplace.
The Saturday farmers market is located at Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Guidelines to keep the market safe and open