Here’s how the 2020 Omaha farmers markets will work

The Omaha Farmers Market will kick off June 6 and 7 with many new guidelines. Here’s the rundown. You can also download a full list of the changes here.

Old Market location and hours

  • On Saturdays, the market will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but will move into the top level of the city parking garage at 10th and Jackson Streets.

Aksarben location and hours

  • On Sundays, the market will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Parking Lot 26, 2425 S. 67th St.

New general policies

  • All are encouraged to avoid touching their face.
  • Patience is encouraged as the new procedures are put into practice.
  • If shoppers, vendors, volunteer or staff are ill, stay home.
  • This year’s markets will only feature produce, herbs, vegetable starter plants, meat, dairy, eggs, breads and a variety of prepared foods, including jams, honey and salsa. Customers can download a list of additional ways to purchase from vendors.
  • The first hour of the market will be designated for seniors, people with underlying health conditions and expectant parents.
  • Pets are banned from the market until further notice.
  • The market encourages families to send one member of the family to market. The market is restricting unaccompanied minors under the age of 18.
  • Customers are encouraged to pre-purchase from vendors and pick up at the market, if possible.

Social distancing rules

  • Customers are asked to not handle any products before purchasing them, and to thoroughly wash any food items before consuming them at home.
  • Customers are encouraged to wear masks while shopping.
  • Shoppers are encouraged to avoid congregating, to keep at least a six foot distance from other shoppers and to avoid forming lines at vendor booths if possible. If a line forms, shoppers are asked to respect social distancing.
  • Two customers maximum will be allowed at each booth at any given time. A chalk line six feet back will be designated as a waiting area for additional customers.

Vendor changes

  • Samples will not be available.
  • Vendors are required to wear gloves and protective masks.
  • Vendors must have a hand washing station at their booth.
  • Vendors will seal or package all non-produce food items.
  • It is recommended to pre-package produce items and store inventory in boxes or coolers that can be disinfected.
  • Vendor stalls will be spaced ten feet apart.
  • Vendors will have one staff member for handling product and a second for handling payments.
  • The signature requirement for purchases will be removed when possible. Shoppers should consider virtual payment or card use over cash.

Volunteer changes

  • The information booth will have a hand washing station and hand sanitizer, and will be regularly cleaned throughout the market
  • Staff, managers and volunteers will wear protective masks
  • Volunteers and staff will control how many customers enter the market.

One response to “Here’s how the 2020 Omaha farmers markets will work”

  1. Jessica Vettel Avatar
    Jessica Vettel

    Love that you are posting all of this information! So happy that I stumbled upon your amazing blog. I love the farmers market in Omaha and am obsessed with Junkstock. One of my favorite foodie finds from there was the Fat Head Honey which is a local Omaha beefarmer named Kathy! I feel like you would love her stuff. You should check it out!

    https://www.fatheadhoney.com/

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