Farmers market goes virtual, offers safe produce pickup

TUMWATER, Wash. — Things are far from ordinary at the Tumwater Farmers Market, but they're making the best of it.

Wednesday morning, vendors dropped off bright flowers, fresh vegetables, sweet treats and more.

"I brought some blueberry streusel, several kinds of cookies, pecan pie bars, lemon bars,” said Carol Berch, River House Bake Shop owner.

As we inch closer to summer, the Tumwater Farmers Market continues to grow, just like the produce vendors deliver each week.

"Our bottom line, and why we're doing this, is to get local goods to our community in a safe way," said Amanda Weyrauch, Tumwater Farmers Market president.

People used to crowd the market’s parking lot to shop for local goods, like Sgt. Hart's BBQ Sauce.

"You got to sample and touch and feel what it is that you're purchasing, so that's going to be a very different change,” said Makieda Hart, Sgt. Hart's BBQ Sauce owner.

Because of COVID-19, this year customers must place orders online.

Vendors drop off items once a week, the goods are sorted by name and, later in the day, people pick their items up.

"I love it, so I'm going to spread the concept for sure,” said customer Angela Noyen.

At the market, safety is at the forefront. Everyone wears masks, they’ve set up a handwashing station and put up signs to remind people to social distance.

There's even a drive-thru option for pickup.

"We really don't have to come into contact with anyone, so it's really good,” said Noyen.

Being a bridge between vendors and the community is vital for the famers market.

"Some of our vendors may have 30 to 40 different heirloom tomatoes. If you don't have a way to connect with them, what kind of loss is that?" said Berch.

Organizers feel good knowing their creative approach is providing people local, fresh produce and supporting farmers at the same time.

"It's going to take us a couple weeks to get there, but I have all the confidence that we're going to be right back where we were, if not pushing for bigger numbers than we were last year,” said Weyrauch.

Starting May 20, the farmers market will have food trucks on site at lunchtime.

For more information on the Tumwater Farmers Market and the items available, visit their website.

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