Flint, MI — March 31, 2020
Do you miss going to the Flint Farmers’ Market, cautious about going anywhere there might be a crowd? Here is some good news, enjoy what the market has to offer by picking goods up at curbside.
Effective immediately the Flint Farmers’ Market will be offering ONLY online or telephone ordering and curbside pick-up for customers. Beginning on Thursday, April 9th on normal market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays), during the hours of 1 pm and 5 pm customers will be able to pick up orders. The Flint Farmers’ Market building will not be open to the public during the month of April.
The online link is www.ffmtogo.square.site and this link will be live Sunday, April 5, 2020, at 8 am for online ordering to begin. Shoppers can also find the link on the market Facebook page, Instagram page and on their website at www.flintfarmersmarket.com. Shoppers are also welcome to contact individual food vendors to order take-out food for curbside pick-up.
This change comes after a modification last week of Saturday only shopping and is to protect customers and vendors from exposure to COVID-19. This decision comes on the heels of an announcement by the CDC and Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD) recommending that grocery establishments, with the capability for curbside pick-up, should move to that as an option.
This change in schedule will allow more of the vendors to participate, at last count only 9 of 44 indoor vendors were still able to be open to the public. Curbside pick-up will still give customers access to essential grocery items in a timely and safe manner while respecting the guidelines set forth by the government.
Additionally:
- Some restaurants in the market will offer phone orders and curbside service 1-5 pm (market days)
- Some grocery vendors will take phone orders for curbside pick-up from 1-5 pm (market days)
- Some vendors will be set up outside for shopping and order pick up 1-5 pm (market days)
- There are plans to develop a delivery service option by mid-April.
“This has been an agonizing decision for market management and leadership. At the end of the day we feel this is the best decision because it still gives customers options for good fresh food while keeping them safe from potential exposure,” said Karianne Martus, Market Manager adding, “It also gives almost all of our vendors an opportunity for income during this very, very difficult time.”
*Some vendors will BE OPEN SATURDAY APRIL 4 outside, please check the market Facebook page later this week for a list of those vendors. For links to online ordering, for more information about the market and for market vendor contact numbers go to www.flintfarmersmarket.com or find them on Facebook under Flint Farmers’ Market.
