The Metro Health Farmer’s Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 14, continuing to serve our community with fresh produce and products, while also supporting the viability of local farms and food businesses.
When the Metro Health Farmer’s Market opens for the season, the selection of vendors will be limited to those who sell produce and food products, including baked goods and homemade canned items (i.e. honey, jams, syrups). This follows Governor Whitmer’s executive order that was issued back in March. Artisan vendors will not be allowed to sell until later in the season.
“We have worked hard to keep the opening day on schedule amid the challenges of COVID-19,” said Greg Meyer, Chief Community Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “We have taken extra precautions to keep our local vendors safe, while providing a fresh, healthy food source for shoppers.”
Vendors will be spaced further apart, and there will be clearly marked signage reminding customers to keep six feet apart at all times. There will also be a traffic flow system, using arrows on the ground to keep traffic flowing in one direction. While the market is in an open-air environment, vendors will be expected to wear masks and customers are highly encouraged to do the same.
Hand sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the market as a reminder to shoppers to sanitize their hands regularly. Customers are encouraged to leave their re-usable shopping bags at home to limit the amount of items vendors need to touch. In addition, samples will be suspended until further notice.
In 2019, the Metro Health Farmer’s Market averaged about 1,200-1,300 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 market opens Thursday, May 14 and runs each Thursday through October 8 from 9:00 am- 2:00 pm. For more information visit www.uofmhealthwest.org