COVID-19 Response Plan

The market's staff continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 health crisis, seeking guidance from the City of Maple Grove leadership and public safety officials, our partners at Hennepin County Environmental Health, the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association, and adopting best practices from markets in Minnesota and across the country. Governor Tim Walz has recognized farmers markets as essential public institutions that serve the public with fresh, nutrient-dense foods. We're committed to facilitating the ongoing connection of local growers to local eaters amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of our vendors, customers, and staff is the market's top concern. In these unique times, the market will operate as a food store, not a social gathering. Social distancing will be enforced and customers will be encouraged to get in, get the goodies, and get back home. Be sure to briefly share a smile (they travel six feet in no time flat!) and a greeting as you shop, but keep moving to ensure that the market doesn't become too crowded.

We are taking the following steps to keep our customers, vendors and staff safe and healthy:

1. All customers, staff and vendors should stay home if they feel sick or if a member of their family or production staff are not feeling well.

2. Shoppers may enter and exit at the East (Community Center) end of the market or near the Northwest corner of the market.

3. Per state guidelines, 250 customers may be in the market area at one time. At busy times, shoppers may be asked to wait in line to enter the market. Please consider delaying your visit until slightly later in the market day to help us avoid congestion and queuing.

4. Handwashing stations and hand sanitizer are available for shoppers. Shoppers are encouraged to wash their hands upon entry and exit from the market (and as often as you like in between.)

5. Vendor booths are spaced farther apart to avoid crowding. Vendor displays will be modified to distance vendors and their products from the shopping public.

6. For now, the market will be a shopping destination, not a social gathering. Customers are invited to choose a designated shopper from their household and make a shopping list in advance. Please consider leaving children at home until restrictions ease.

7. Shoppers should shop with their eyes and allow vendors to handle all product.

8. Live music and special programming (Power of Produce and Frequent Shopper) are paused until further notice.

9. We'll add to and modify this list of strategies as the public health situation changes and as we learn of new best practices. Thanks for your patience and patronage of local farmers and food businesses.