Winter Farmers’ Market 2020-2021 Season
The Seacoast Eat Local Winter Farmers’ Market has been a critical part of the local food economy since our first season back in 2007. Our markets have grown over the years to include 45-60 vendors per market with customer attendance ranging from 1,500-2,500 people. Due to COVID-19, the upcoming season is proving to be our most challenging yet. We’re balancing public health concerns with the need for continued access to local food for everyone. New guidelines will be in place to ensure the safety of all customers, vendors, staff, and volunteers. We’re incorporating the following new guidelines to help keep everyone safe while still enabling vendors and customers to do business with one another.
For full details on the winter farmers’ market, please visit this page.
1.) One person per household – We ask that if you are able to only send one person per household to do your shopping. This will enable us to give the maximum amount of people access to local food. We understand if you have a circumstance that does not allow you to come alone so you may come with someone if necessary.
2.) Make a Reservation – Our typical market flow of shoppers is extremely busy during the first hour of market. This year, we’ll be using a free scheduling platform to better spread out customer flow throughout market. To start the season, we’ll have more scheduled slots than walk-in slots, so we strongly recommend making a reservation to guarantee you will be able to enter market when you arrive. Your scheduled time is the time you’re able to enter market. Once you’ve entered, take a reasonable amount of time to complete your shopping so that customers in the next time slot may enter after you.
January 9th was our last market at Exeter High School this season (2020-2021). We are currently seeking solutions to find a new site for our Exeter market. We will have updates to share in the coming weeks.
3.) Pre-ordering – We’re offering markets as a pickup location for vendors who are able to sell their products online. When you buy directly from one or multiple vendors through their online store, products will be organized at market into a convenient pickup bag. You will not have to make a reservation or enter the market area. Pickup will be in a designated area at each venue. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO PRE-ORDER FROM VENDORS AND PICK-UP AT THE MARKET.
4.) Masks – We will require all customers, vendors, staff, and volunteers to wear a mask at all times. If you are medically not able to wear a mask, consider doing a preorder and pickup. You can also send someone else who is able to wear a mask such as a family member or neighbor.
5.) Layout and vendors – There are fewer vendors this year due to social distancing requirements, which also means market layout is different. There will be a designated entrance and exit at each venue so make sure to look for signage when you arrive.
If you would like to make a donation to support our Winter Farmers’ Market you can do so here
The Food Access map is an online platform released by UNH Cooperative Extension that allows for food access organizations to list services available to the public and any needs they may have. This is a useful tool especially during the COVID-19 crisis because it allows for individuals to search where they can find food and personal items, but also how they can donate and or volunteer.
