Farmers market adjusts to social distancing mandate
Photo via Better Farmers Markets
DOWNEY — Last week Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a temporary suspension of all farmers’ markets amid the coronavirus outbreak unless farmers markets submit a plan that enforces physical distancing and ensures safe operations.
“This is a little different from the other [closure orders] because food is essential and I don’t want the closing of other farmers markets to have even bigger crowds in the grocery stores,” Garcetti said in a press conference on March 30.
On April 1, the Downey farmers market announced the Covid-19 safety procedures on their Facebook page that will allow them to continue operating.
“We want to share with our community all the ways our team has diligently put safety first across the market. We take this very seriously and felt you should have access to our timeliness and details,” the Downey farmers market announced.
The Downey farmers market has taken proactive measures against the spread of Covid-19 prior to Mayor Garcetti’s order to temporarily suspend farmers markets across L.A., including chalk line reminders with six feet distancing and health inspection walks. The new safety operations have already been approved by Street Services and will continue to be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These new measures include restricting one entrance at the farmers market and a separate exit for shoppers. There will be handwashing stations offered to customers at the market, along with hand sanitizer and gloves.
In early March, the health department requested to cut non-essential vendors including crafters and prepared food items. The market is now only selling farmer produce, including agriculture items such as eggs and meat. Flowers will also still be available for sale.
From now on, vendors are required to set up buffers between the customers and produce in order to keep customers touching the commodities. Food sampling has also been banned during this time. There will now be an option for customers to pay without cash as vendors have been asked to set up Venmo.
The Downey farmers market is limiting the number of guests to two members per household and customers will be expected to have a 20-minute shopping window. Additionally, all children are to stay home during market visits, if possible.
Downey resident Elleni Rioja shops at the farmers market at least twice a month to support local businesses.
“If I were going to the farmers market in the future, these safety guidelines would be difficult because I often bring my two younger siblings with me,” Rioja said. “The limit of the 20-minute period would affect my shopping experience because I like to spend some time there to eat and shop. However, with the Covid-19 circumstances, I agree with how Downey is managing the safety of the farmers market’s vendors and customers.”
The safety protocol guide of the farmers market stated, “Please join us as we continue to maintain a safe marketplace for everyone with this helpful guide. We can do our part, please shop wisely through Covid-19.”
Alyssa Vega is a Boston University journalism student covering government, local events, arts and culture.