ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The St. John’s Farmers’ Market (SJFM) — among the places shuttered for months by the COVID-19 crisis — is reopening for regular markets starting Saturday, June 13 and there’s some cautious optimism about what the traffic will be.
“I am going to remain positive, but it has got to be worth it to be there,” said Mark Wilson of Newfoundland Gourmet Mushrooms and an organic farmer.
“My worry is if people don’t show up or if we have decreased numbers it will be difficult.”
He is weighing whether his time is better spent tending his farm or trying to sell at the market — it depends on what product he has available for this time of year.
As for the market moving to offering takeout food only and taking other precautions, he said it looks like a good plan.
Wilson, who has been doing online sales of his mushrooms said he hopes future plans include diversifying with an online market store featuring the various vendors’ products.
“I think we have a really good opportunity here to build something that will also exist outside of Saturdays,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for the provincial government to support the market in developing this kind of safe protocol.”
Jeremy Carter of Mount Scio Farms said he might not be back at the market right away.
“I’ll see how that all goes,” said Carter, who prefers an outdoor setting, but is also pondering what the public perception will be.
Jonathan Richler of the Jewish Deli is a member of the board, and he plans to be back at the market come June 13.
He has been doing some sales in the meantime to regular customers.
The market has worked hard to make the process as simple as possible while following public health rules, said Richler, who recognizes how innovative the local business community — including food purveyors and restaurants — has been through the pandemic.
"Everyone is still there, but at a reduced capacity; that is the reality,” said Richler, who says he is cautiously optimistic about the local economy.
“The independent variable is the human desire to get outside their door.… I hope we see the neighbourhood support us. We chose that location to benefit the community and the neighbourhood. The last thing I would want to see is the opposite. It’s almost too early to tell. I think if 25 per cent of the citizens of this city who put a rainbow in their window support local business, we will do all right. … If people can line up at Costco for chicken on a windy day, they should be just as eager to support local vendors.”
He said it’s crucial to remember there is still a pandemic with no cure and the safety guidelines must be followed.
The SJFM, which suspended operations mid-March due to precautions surrounding COVID-19, has put safeguards in place to ensure the market is a comfortable environment for vendors and customers, noted a news release issued late Sunday night.
“We’re thrilled to be able to reopen,” executive director Pam Anstey said in the release.
“The market has become such an integral part of this community, and we know there are a lot of people who have been missing their favourite vendors. Things may look a little different this time around, but the market is still the place to go for fresh, local produce, diverse prepared food, and unique artisan crafts.”
Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some of the precautions that people visiting the market can expect to see when it reopens include:
- Regular and ongoing sanitization of high-contact areas and washrooms throughout market day as well as hand sanitizers available at each entrance and exit.
- Physical distancing measures, including limits on the number of people allowed inside at a time, one-way aisles and transparent barriers between vendors and customers,
- Take-out only. The market café seating has been removed, and reusable containers from customers will not be accepted at the present time.
- Vendors and staff will be required to wear non-medical masks, and customers are strongly encouraged to do so as well.
- Many contactless payment options, however to be accessible to all, cash payments will still be available.
A reduction in vendors isn’t expected to be necessary.
“Initially, when we started planning for reopening, we were only able to book a restricted number of our vendors in keeping with public health requirements,” Anstey said.
“However, if the province shifts to Alert Level 3, we have just received confirmation that will be able to bring all vendors back.
“Just have a little patience with us as we all navigate this together. If there is anything this pandemic has taught us, is that it’s more important than ever to support local producers and entrepreneurs, as well as each other.”
