Everything farmers markets have come to be known and loved for - a place to see friends and neighbors, stumbling on delicious new food, creating community in a setting that is accessible to everyone - is gone due to COVID19. This crisis has forced many markets to change over to a “pre-order/pickup/drive-through” model that excludes onsite purchases. While we’ll adopt the “pickup/drive-through” model, we’ll also open for on-site shopping to support our neighbors who rely on SNAP/food stamps (barred from online shopping by state legislation) or don’t have bank or credit accounts. Our market, as well as most markets in the City, match every $5 in SNAP/food stamps with $2 free (no limit!) to purchase fresh produce. This 40% increase of a household’s grocery budget not only encourages purchasing produce that can help maintain health during this stressful time, but also support Pittsburgh residents who have been recently laid off.

We will also open for on-site shopping because we have the benefits of space and being outside. Maintaining a safe distance between shoppers, vendors and staff is easier with more space, and viruses don’t like variable temperatures and sunlight. 

Our national food system is being tested right now by disruptions in the trucking and factory-food industry. When that system shakes, our local food system proves its strength as a necessary fail safe. Our vendors, food producers of all kinds, have dedicated their lives to ensuring access to fresh and local food and are the people who can carry us through this crisis.