This story was updated.
The Larchmont Farmers Market will be open for business as usual this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but it will be smaller to allow more space to accommodate social distancing, explained Melissa Farwell, Director of Coordination at Raw Inspirations, the company that manages a dozen local farmers markets including the Larchmont Farmers Market. Not every vendor will be there but all the farmers will be there explained Farwell at Saturday’s meeting conducted by phone to discuss the fate of the farmers market in light of planned construction of a children’s playground in the city parking lot.
On Friday, Farwell’s office sent out a press release announcing the market would be open on Sunday.
“We are an essential facility. As such, the locations below are OPEN,” said Melissa Farwell, Director of Coordination at Raw Inspirations. “We are an essential facility because we bring healthy produce and foods directly to the consumer that is needed at this time, more than ever. With access to foods being more and more limited, across Southern California, we are here for you. We have not been closed by the Health Department or any other governing agencies and are working closely with them to make sure we adhere to their guidelines, state and city guidelines.”
According to the release, the market has implemented some new procedures in light of the coronavirus.
“We have made immediate changes to our markets. These changes will be in effect until further notice.
- We are banning all food-sampling.
- ALL vendors are to use gloves and hand washing stations or hand sanitizer.
- Each farmer will display signs asking the public not to pick up and handle the product, to only touch what they are going to buy.
- We will be suspending all performers, musicians, kids’ crafts, kids activities such as petting zoos or bouncers.
- We will have signs throughout the market encouraging and reminding customers of social distancing.
- We will be changing the layout of the Farmers Market to accommodate better social distancing practices.
- We will be removing all seating from the Farmers’ Markets as well. We urge everyone to refrain from shaking hands, hugging, and to keep the 6-foot recommended social distancing from your fellow Farmers Market patrons.
- Vendors & Patrons – Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth (especially after handling money)
- Customers are advised to wash food when they get it home.”
