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 Originally scheduled for a May 9 opening, the extra time will
allow planners to establish a safety plan during the COVID-19
pandemic. While farmers markets have been deemed essential by the
Governor’s Executive Order, the format will not be what planners had
originally expected for its fifth anniversary season.
“The market during the pandemic won’t be what we had originally
planned but the health of our community and the vendors is our first
priority,” said Chelsie Campbell, farmers market coordinator.
Over the past several weeks, planners have been researching
operations of markets nearby and in cities across the country to
ensure the safest experience possible. The market’s safety plan will
provide guidelines for vendors and shoppers. For example, a limited
number of customers may be enforced, a designated entrance/exit will
be marked and the market will designate a shopping path to ensure
social distancing. Customers and vendors will be required to wear
face masks per the Governor’s Stay at Home Order.
“The sense of community that The Market provides means a great deal
to us, but the COVID-19 crisis requires us to focus on the core
function of the market which is to provide access to fresh, local
produce. That means for now we are hosting an in-and-out market as
recommended by the Illinois Farmers Market Association,” said
Campbell.
To discourage gathering, The ALMH Market is temporarily suspending
all programming and activities traditionally held at the market
until further notice. Several market vendors are now offering, for
the first time, online ordering and pick up to create a more
convenient experience. The ALMH Market will still be offering a
matching program for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) including triple match on the third
Saturday of each month.
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As the COVID-19 pandemic situation evolves, market planners will
respond accordingly to return The Market to its normal operations as
responsibly and quickly as possible.
The season plans to open on May 16 with the following vendors in
attendance:
Abe’s,
Brooks’s Kountry Honey,
Hilltop Community Gardens,
Ieorger Family Farmers,
Knead Bread,
Lawrence Family Farms,
Nuthatch Hill BBQ Co.,
Odelehr Farms,
Primordia Foods,
Flossie and Delzena’s,
Samantha Danosky,
The Tony Cannoli,
Thompson Family Farm
Toohill Seed and Beef Service.
More vendors have been confirmed to join the market as the growing
season continues.
“We look forward to bringing back our typical programming and to
encourage gathering in the future. Thank you for your patience and
support as we work through this together. And thank you for
supporting our local vendors,” said Campbell.
The Market plans to continue on Saturdays from 8am – 12pm through
September 26 but acknowledges the need to be flexible during these
unprecedented times. Online ordering for select vendors will be
available shortly at thealmh market.org. For updates visit
thealmhmarket.org or facebook.com/ thealmhmarket.
[Angela Stoltzenburg]
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