DATCP Releases Guidance for Farmers Market Consumers

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety released Guidance for Farmers Market Vendors and Consumers (pdf) on Tuesday. If you are planning on attending an area farmer’s market, be sure to review the guidelines before you go.

Area Farmer’s Markets:

DATCP’s Guidance for Customers
While your community, market managers and vendors have taken enormous precautions to ensure safety while shopping, the ultimate responsibility for the community’s and your family’s health remains with you. Do not go to the market if you or anyone in your family are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or if
you have come into contact with someone who is sick; visit this DHS website to learn what you should do instead. Before going to your community farmers market, check the market website or local paper for changes to operating hours and procedures. While at your farmers market, please consider implementing all of the following measures:

• Using alternative shopping methods if available, such as a drive-thru market, online ordering with market pickup, or direct sales from the farm.
• Going to the market at off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
• Washing your hands before going to the market; while at the market, frequently use handwashing or sanitizing stations, if available.
• Maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from other customers and vendors when possible.
• Wearing a cloth face covering; follow this FDA guidance on their proper use.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
• Minimizing the number of people coming with you to the market; this helps minimize crowd size.
• Leaving children at home if child care is available.
• Leaving pets at home, especially if your market prohibits them.