4FreshLocalFood - Columbus County Community Farmers Market

Columbus County Community Farmers Market will officially open for the 2020 season on Saturday, May 2, at 8 a.m.

According to guidance from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and Governor Roy Cooper’s executive orders (121 & 131), certified farmers’ markets fall under the same classification as grocery stores and are considered essential businesses allowed to be open under strict health and safety procedures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Traditional opening day festivities such as ribbon-cutting, flag raising ceremony, and entertainment have been omitted due to Coronavirus mitigation efforts.

In addition, the following COVID-19 procedures have been implemented by the Board of Director to keep both vendors and customers safe at the market:

• Spacing between vendors will be increased to the maximum extent possible to allow customers to spread out.
• Customers are asked to maintain a space of at least six feet between themselves and another person.  Only one person at a time is allowed at a vendor’s space. 
• Vendors are encouraged to wear gloves and hand-sanitize after handling money and before handling additional product.
• Customers are encouraged to pre-order and pre-pay for items in order to reduce time spent at the market and cut down on money handling.  The market is exploring the creation of an online store where customers can place and pre-pay for orders.  In addition, some vendors are creating their own online stores.  More details are available on the farmers market website at www.columbuscountyfarmersmarket.com.
• Customers are not allowed to touch items for sale, but must ask for or point to items wising to purchase.  Vendors are also encouraged to prepackage items in new clear bags so the product is visible.
• All product sampling is prohibited.
• Vendors and customers are encouraged to wear face coverings/masks, if available.
• The market will continue to have hand sanitizing stations available and vendors are encouraged to offer hand sanitizer as well.
• The market will enhance hygiene and cleaning protocols in common and high-touch areas.
• The market manager has clearly communicated these procedures to all current vendors prior to opening day and signage at the market will alert customers to these protocols.

“The 2020 opening day will be the most unique in our markets history due to Coronavirus,” said Lindy Harold Shuman, president and chair of the market’s board of directors.

“We look forward to seeing all our loyal customers again for the new season,” added Market manager Susie Rockel.  “We just need to keep our social interactions to a minimum for everybody’s health and safety,” she concluded.

Because of early, warm Spring weather, Rockel anticipates vendors will have lots of locally grown, farm fresh vegetables including beets, mustard greens, cabbage, Swiss chard, carrots, peas, squash, onions, mushrooms, potatoes, kohlrabi, plants, flowers, honey, eggs, jams, jellies, handmade crafts, soap, salves, and more!

The farmer’s market board previously announced the cancellation of the spring plant swap & sale, the K-5 school-based poster contest, and the Farmers Market Fun Run & Walk due to COVID-19.

All other events for 2020 remain on the schedule and the board will continue to monitor the virus progression as well as local, state and federal advisories regarding essential businesses and make determinations about future operations as warranted.

The Columbus County Farmers Community Market is located at 132 Government Complex Road in Whiteville, near the Department of Social Services.  2020 hours of operation are Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.  For more information, visit www.columbuscountyfarmersmarket.com or call (910) 840-6743.