Please Note the Following
Farmers markets are considered essential grocery providers by the State of Minnesota, an important part of our food supply, and are essential to our farmers.
We are closely following guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Farmers markets have long been places to gather and build community. However, this season we must physically distance and resist the urge to linger and socialize. We each have a critical role to play to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
This season, we have made the following changes to keep our community safe.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Shopping the Farmers’ Market during COVID-19
With COVID-19 taking over the world, many Market in the Valley Vendors are able to take orders online and ship to you. Please follow the links to connect with your favorite vendors.
There has never been a more important time to buy local and contribute to a healthy local food economy.
Thank you for your support!
These guidelines are strongly encouraged
Stay home if you or someone in your home is sick or feeling ill
Send only one person into the market to shop
Mask or cloth face coverings are strongly recommended
Wash your hands frequently (use hand sanitizers in the absence of hand-washing)
Sanitaze your hands when you enter and before you leave
Maintain a 6 foot distance between you, vendors, market staff and other customers
No mingling! Be efficient!
Do not touch products; vendors will assist you
Please follow rules for food consumption
Samples will be allowed according to MN State guidelines
Place pre-orders with vendors or prepay online (if possible) to speed transaction time and reduce virus spread through handling of money, credit cards, etc.
No animals are allowed in the Market with the exceptions of service animals
Market set up and procedures to accommodate physical distancing requirements
No tokens will be offered this year
Create a border around the market with one entrance & exit
Limit the number of customers in the market at one time
Widen aisles & designated customer waiting areas
Adding space between vendor stalls
Encourage credit card and no-touch transactions
Visit the PRISM booth for SNAP and EBT
Provide hand sanitizing station
Staff, vendors & volunteers are strongly recommended to wear masks and frequently wash their hands
Cancel activities where people gather: educational events, cooking demos, music, kids activities, nonprofit guests, special events, such as Sugar Cookie Day, Ice Cream Sunday, Family Day, etc