Vanderhoof’s Farmer’s Market will be running this summer despite COVID-19. However, social distancing measures and a slight change of location will have to be in the picture due to the virus pandemic, organizers say.
Only food vendors will be allowed in this year’s Farmer’s Market which will run every Thursday, from June 11 until September 24.
Due to the virus pandemic, the market will not be at Ferland Park, but in the parking lot beside it, “because the park is only supposed to have 50 people in it,” said Jutta Schoenhardt, Farmer’s Market manager.
The parking lot is owned by a Vanderhoof based non-profit called Connexus, previously known as Nechako Valley Community Services.
Schoenhardt said that there will be handwashing stations at the Farmer’s Market and customers are asked to “shop, shop and leave. Treat it like a grocery store. Don’t hang out and visit. Therefore we won’t have any music, art or lunch tables which is sad, but atleast there will be a market.”
Food provided at the market will be in take-out containers and there will be no public washrooms to access.
Meanwhile, the Vanderhoof Farmer’s Market is now online as well. Visit www.localline.ca/vanderhoof-farmersmarket to buy from local vendors. This website was launched last week, and residents will find some of their favorite vendors there, Schoenhardt said.
“Please be patient if something doesn’t work. Still some growing pains,” the manager added.
Additionally, the Farmer’s Market will have the nutrition program running again.
Coupons are handed over to target groups including pregnant women, seniors and low income families. These weekly coupons are redeemable at the Farmer’s Market for fresh produce as well as meat. Apply for these coupons at NeighbourLink in Vanderhoof.
Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com
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