The Nash County Farmers Market Gives Their Word to Bring the “Fresh” as Always, But Ask for Your Word to Come in Good Health

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Basically, all businesses over the past three months have been playing somewhat of waiting and guessing game. Food service and and the like, have been at the forefront of the regulations set forth. Likewise, parameters for visitors laid out for going in public can at times be confusing also. However, one thing for certain is that officials wanted to see the Nash County Farmers Market open for residents. Thus, with some cooperation, proper measures are agreed upon and the market is open once again.

Health Department Agrees an Open Market Can be Safe with Cooperation

The freshest produce in the local area can. be found at Nash County Farmers Market in Rocky Mount.

For an official look at exactly where the Nash County Farmers Market would fall in regard to COVID regulations, we need look no further than the guidelines set forth by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Simply put, the NCDHHS states, “Farmers Markets fall under the same classification as grocery stores and are considered an important source of food for local communities.”

Yes, this makes the Nash County Farmers Market an “essential” business that is able to operate during this time of pandemic. That being said, The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also would weigh in on this subject. They add what may seem obvious in regard to regulations, but these certainly are worth restating.

Thus, any open market must adhere to orders given from federal and state officials. Thus, the Nash County Farmers Market is working alongside NCDACS personnel to be sure the correct protocol is set in place. This way, you still can enjoy the freshest produce and local goods around, while knowing all possible safety precautions to stay safe from COVID-19 are being enforced.

Exactly What Safety Measures Are Being Taken?

With such serious ramifications and the overall anxiety of the public towards COVID-19, this also is a very important question. On top of you being concerned as to the answer here, the Nash County Farmers Market also finds this very important to address and be clear on. Thus, the following measures are being taken very seriously on site at the outdoor market.

  • Hand washing stations have been set up and are available throughout the Nash County Farmers Market
  • All on-site vendors are going to be adequately spaced out to adhere to national and state social distancing regulations.
  • For the time being and until further notice, there will be no concession stand, sampling or on-site food or drink consumption.
  • In accordance with the previous measure, on-site dining spaces and areas have been eliminated until deemed safe and legal to return.
  • Reminders will be given and checked upon to be sure all vendors are cleaning and sanitizing both their equipment and themselves.

Here are a few reminders of exactly how you can do this.

  • First, if you do not feel well in any way. Please stay at home! You can come to the market another time or possibly have a friend pick some items up for you. But this is imperative, if not in 100 percent good health, stay home.
  • Use the conveniently placed hand washing stations on site both upon your arrival, when beginning to shop and when ready to leave. Wash hands thoroughly and refrain from touching your face.
  • Don’t touch any produce, goods, or tems for sale until you are 100 percent committed to buying the item. This again sort of speaks for itself. But is certainly worth a reminder. Vendors can bag items for you ort in many cases have pre-packaged and pre-priced items to avoid any issues with this step.
  • No chatting and hanging around your favorite vendor as have been able to be done in the past. You must honor the Social Distancing requirements, thus, this one is kind of a no-brainer. There is only one customer allowed per vendor booth at a time. So, keep the 6-foot distance, until it’s your turn, then get in, get out, and then get home!
  • As a precautionary move and for their own safety, we also request that you do not bring children with when attending the Nash County Farmers Market.

The Where, the What, and the When of Nash County Farmers Market

The “where” has seen no change. Those of you familiar with the Nash County Farmers Market know its location in historic Rocky Mount. For those who do not, the market’s address is 1006 Peachtree Street in Rocky Mount. The “when” has changed slightly. The current hours of operation at the Nash County Farmers Market are Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. On Tuesday afternoons they are open from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

As for the “what,” there are many who will be on hand selling goods at the Nash County Farmers Market. To see a full list of vendors and all the information you could possibly need, visit their website at nash.ces.ncsu.edu/farmers-market-rocky-mount/.