Peak season at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, located at 501 Yanceyville Street, is on the way. Cool nights and heavy rainfall have created a slight delay for many local farmers, especially when it comes to those long-awaited summertime crop favorites.
The daily conversation at a farmers market right now includes questions like “when will you have tomatoes” and “how much longer will there be strawberries?” With the arrival of warmer summer weather, expect to see the arrival of seasonal favorites including fruits and veggies: peaches, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans, carrots, lettuces, zucchini, onions, peppers, squash, new potatoes, and fresh-cut herbs; Market staples include ice cream, milk, goat cheese, and eggs; local honey; seafood, pasture-raised poultry, and beef; plus ferments, granola, baked goods including cookies, pound cake, and even gluten-free options.
In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases, North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper announced on June 24, 2020, that residents will be required to wear face masks in public and the state’s Phase 2 orders will continue for three more weeks. This follows the June 22, 2020 announcement from the City of Greensboro’s Mayor Nancy Vaughan requiring face coverings in public. As a result, Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc (GFM) is calling for patrons to wear a face mask at the outdoor Curb Market on Saturdays.
“Wearing a mask or face-covering in public is a simple gesture of kindness that helps prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and it’s important to remember that wearing a mask does not hurt the economy. It helps,” said Mayor Vaughan in the aforementioned press release.
GFM staff, volunteers, and vendors will continue wearing masks during the duration of the Market to reduce virus transmission for themselves and customers. Customers without a mask can receive a mask at the Market entrance. Visitors with behavioral, medical, or religious exemptions that prevent the ability to wear a face mask are invited to shop Wednesdays for “GFM 2 Go” pre-order pickup drive-thru Market which does not require a mask. Information to pre-order from online stores is located under the Markets tab at GSOFarmersMarket.Org. Customers who wish to pre-order for Saturday pick up at the outdoor Market are also listed there.
All vendors are located in the outside marketplace on the Lindsay Street lot as a measure to reduce the potential transmission of the virus associated with tight indoor spaces and to provide 6 foot distancing between vendors and customers. GFM provides the following guidance and shopping tips to help customers maintain a safe and healthy market atmosphere for the community:
· Shop with a purpose, plan list ahead, and consider pre-orders available from participating vendors.
· Bring small bills and a credit card, some vendors do not accept certain types of payment. The nearest ATM is at State Employees Credit Union, 405 North Murrow Boulevard.
· Designate one family member per household if possible and leave the pups at home
· Walk one direction through the Market, follow the arrows and signs.
· Point to the products you would like to purchase rather than the handling or touching produce, trust your farmer to choose the best tomato for you.
· Enjoy purchases at home; there is no eating or drinking in the Marketplace.
· Be kind, be patient, and be safe.
Food security programs are available during Saturday Markets. SNAP/EBT tokens are distributed from 7:00-11:00 am; the $15 Market Match program is offered from 8:00 to 10:00 am. GCCN Orange Card tokens are distributed from 8:00-10:00 am, and WIC and Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers are accepted from 7:00-11:00 am at participating vendors.