Farmers’ market returns starting Saturday

Thursday, May 7, 2020

SIKESTON — The weekly Downtown Sikeston Farmers’ Market returns Saturday to kick off the new season.

Set for 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday now through December in Legion Park, the farmers’ market includes anything made or grown in Missouri, according to Downtown Director Jason Davis.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook,” Davis said. “I’ve had a ton of calls from people. … I think people are looking forward to us opening back up, and we should have a good showing.”

Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to get healthy fruits, vegetables and other foods while supporting local farmers —and it’s also a way to get some fresh air during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social distancing guidelines will be in place, Davis said.

“We’re going to set up the vendors farther apart to allow space for the distancing and leave distancing up to those who are attending,” Davis said.

Those interested in selling at the market can simply show up Saturday morning, Davis said.

“I’m going to be at the park around 6:30 a.m. or 6:45 a.m., and the vendor fee is $2 per day or $25 for the season, which will cover for the whole farmer’s market.

Davis said he isn’t sure yet how many or which vendors will be set up on Saturday, but he has fielded many phone calls from prospective vendors.

“I know there are some people who will be there with some fruits, maybe some vegetables and pork rinds,” Davis said.

Davis said he will also be on hand Saturday to speak with vendors about forming a Farmers’ Market committee.

“I’m going to start working to put a farmers’ market team to help working out how to make farmer’s market better, promote it more and ideas on how to keep it moving forward. I think those vendors and anyone interested in that can be I that meeting,” Davis said.

Davis encouraged attendees to remember social distancing.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone,” Davis said. “Come out and breathe in some fresh air and let the sun warm them.”

As farmers’ markets re-open, Londa Nwadike, University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist. Nwadike, also offered some guidelines for safe shopping at farmers’ markets even in the midst of COVID-19

“Be prepared,” she said. “Call the market or check its website or social media pages to see which vendors and items will be available.”

Shoppers should give themselves extra time, Nwadike said.

“Shopping might take longer with extra safety measures in place, as many Missouri farmers markets have updated their procedures to provide extra safety to customers and vendors.

Make a list so you can efficiently find the items you need,” she said.

If running multiple errands, make the market the last stop to minimize the amount of time perishable foods sit in the car, she said.

Before entering the market, shoppers should remind themselves to avoid touching their faces and cellphones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mask or other cloth face covering when in places where social distancing can be difficult. Make sure to use a designated entry point when going in. The farmers’ market may have established separate entrances and exits to avoid bottlenecks of people coming and going, she said.

“Choose items with your eyes, not your hands,” Nwadike said. “Let vendors handle the products you select.”

Stay at least 6 feet away from other people as much as possible.

“You want to avoid standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other customers while examining items. Be patient and courteous while people ahead of you complete their purchases,” Nwadike said.

Avoid using cash when possible. Many vendors and markets accept debit, credit and EBT/SNAP cards.

Make use of handwashing stations or hand sanitizer. CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water, but if handwashing is not available, hand sanitizer can also be used.

For now, resist the temptation to socialize while shopping.

“Farmers’ markets are normally a place to enjoy the atmosphere and visit with the vendors and other friends,” Nwadike said. “But right now, farmers markets are most importantly a source of food and a way to support local farmers.”

Consider sending just one household member to the market at this time, and wash all produce before eating, she said.

“Even though there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted through food or food packaging, it is always important to use good food safety practices, which will help control foodborne illness as well as COVID-19,” she said. “That means washing the whole produce, even if you don’t eat the peel. Wash items such as cantaloupe and potatoes with a produce brush.”

Nwadike said commercial produce washes have not been shown to be more effective than water from the kitchen faucet.

“All the research shows that clean, running water is the best way for consumers to wash produce,” she said.

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