By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
This year’s biggest hurdle for the Metro Farm Market has not been COVID but the cold weather.
“Some of the farmers have told us that due to the cold snap, they may not have as many things when we open,” said Metro Health’s Head of Community Health and Wellness Michelle Rademacher. “These farmers have experienced this before and I know what to do and some of them have been pretty clever at helping to keep their crops going.
But the cold has had some impact, Rademacher said, which means that there may not be as many produce options when the market opens this Thursday at the Metro Health – University of Michigan Wyoming campus, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. The market runs from 9 am. – 2 p.m. and entrance is free.
“We are really excited to be able to operate with an almost full market,” Rademacher said, adding the market will be offering punch cards this year and food samplings.
About 34 vendors will be on-site selling produce and food products, including baked goods and cheeses. Artisan vendors will be providing handmade items such as clothing and wooden toys.
Rademacher said the market will be following all Center for Disease Control guideline as well as the Michigan Farmers Market Associations recommended best practices. Vendors will be safely spaced apart, and there will be clearly marked signage reminding customers to social distance. Hand sanitizing stations will be set up through the market as a reminder to shoppers to sanitize their hands.
Customers are encouraged to let vendors handle touching all products. Rademacher said food sampling will be allowed this year, but samples must be pre-packaged off site.
While the market is an open-air environment, vendors will be expected to wear masks and customers are highly encouraged to do the same.
Rademacher said they are excited to bring back the punchcard, which is free. Patrons visiting the market will be able to get the card punch and after five punches, will be able to receive a free market tote bag.
“We are excited to be able to offer a positive experience to our community by having a more normal year for the market that will service their needs,” Rademacher said. “This is a great opportunity for the community to do some healthy shopping, be out in the fresh air and purchase their produce for the week.”
On average, the Metro Health Farm Market sees up to 1,300 people daily during the peak season. as in past years, the market will continue to accept EBT/SNAP dollars and WIC/Senior Fresh coupons.
The Metro Health Farm Market will run each Thursday through early October. For more information, visit www.metrohealth.net.
