Farmers Market outlines May 16 reopening setup
TROY, N.Y. » The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is slated to hold its first outdoor market on May 16.
“The good news is that the outdoor farmers market is returning to Troy for our twentyfirst season,” Zack Metzger, market president opined.
“However, this version of our market will be different than in previous years. It will be smaller—with an emphasis on food, not festival—and will include many new safety protocols,” Metzger explained on the altered look.
During talks with market management over the past month, officials from the Rensselaer County Health Department and the City of Troy acknowledged the essential nature of the market but raised concerns that its popularity as a regional attraction could pose a challenge to social distancing protocols.
According to market organizers, they say they’ve addressed those concerns with a plan to reopen on a smaller scale in a new temporary location with a focus on essential products, and expand in size and scope later as the COVID-19 pandemic dissipates.
“The market has worked hard during this crisis to find ways to make sure local food gets into the hands of its customers. Farmers markets are pivotal in the regional and local food access network, linking local produce to local consumers in a healthy and safe way, supporting the local agricultural economy and providing food access for SNAP/EBT customers,” Steve Ridler, TWFM manager remarked.
“Overall, farmers markets are an even safer and more sustainable option than supermarkets and grocery stores. Troy Waterfront Farmers Market feels strongly that we can safely operate in the existing COVID-19 environment as shown by many other markets across the state and country and we are ready to return outdoors,” Ridler noted.
Recently the market implemented TWFM Online, a webbased store and contact-less pickup system in neighboring Green Island. The online order and pickup service will continue in tandem with the outdoor market, Ridler said, which will distribute customers between two locations and provide valuable options to suit varying needs of customers.
So, how do these plans on paper come to fruition in realtime?
On May 16, the first outdoor market will be held in the Russell Sage College parking lot at First and Division streets.
Initially, the number of booths will be limited to 25 and will be spread far apart with some smaller vendors sharing a booth. The layout will require customers to follow a one-way traffic flow and respect the importance of social distancing.
• Dogs will not be allowed in the market, save for the exception of service dogs.
• No more than 50 customers will be allowed in the market area at any time, which will accommodate about 100 customers per hour.
• Hours will be expanded from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., making for an 8-hour long market to allow more customers.
• Free parking will be available on city streets and in Russell Sage lots on River Street.
Customers will sign up online for time blocks in advance and
will wait in designated areas with taped markings on the sidewalk and street to indicate proper social distancing. There will be a limited “stand by line” for those who do not reserve a time slot. Staff and volunteers will also help manage the line for the safety and comfort of those waiting.
• Customers must wear masks to enter the market. Masks will be available on site.
• Wash stations and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the market
• Customers are being encouraged to pre-order from their preferred vendors, using the contact information provided on the market’s website.
• All vendors will wear masks and gloves and use hand sanitizer.
• Products will be prepackaged when at all possible.
• Customers will not handle food until their purchase is completed.
• Tokens will not be issued at the Market Information table and will not be accepted by vendors.
• Provisions will be made to accommodate SNAP/WIC/FMNP.
Prepared food vendors will be at the market, initially limited in numbers, and only serving prepared food to go with no cooking on site. Beverages will not be available for consumption on site.
There will be no music, community tables, or sitting area, and congregating will not be permitted. Customers must move through the market swiftly and leave when they are finished shopping.
Full details on the market reopening, including the vendors who will be attending, how to book a market time, and all the guidance and rules for operation will be updated on the market’s website at www.troymarket.org. This site also provides details of where to find vendors and includes a new interactive regional map.
“It’s worth noting that our last indoor market coincided with the start of Governor [Andrew] Cuomo’s New York Pause order and our outdoor market will begin the day after that order is scheduled to be reviewed. As an essential business, our goal has always been to be part of the solution to containing the spread of COVID-19 and be a key part of reopening the economy of our state, county, and city,” Ridler commented.
“We’re taking a phasedin approach and working with community partners at all levels to keep everyone safe and healthy. We’re going to try this configuration, see how people behave and respond with any adaptations and alterations in real-time,” Ridler added.
A smooth reopening could see the market expand initially on Sage property first and subsequently to its traditional location along River Street and Monument Square later in the summer.
“We are aware of the important role the farmers market plays in the downtown economy,” Ridler said.
“But in order for us to return to Troy safely, we first have to open in an area that we can carefully manage,” Ridler added.
The market’s temporary location at Russell Sage College is three blocks south of Monument Square. Marketgoers can easily walk or drive to the shops and restaurants downtown as they reopen.
“Russell Sage College is delighted to partner with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market to make healthy, locally grown food available while practicing safe social distancing to protect the public health,” Chris Ames, President of Russell Sage College commented on the partnership.
“We are pleased to welcome back the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market under a limited reopening to protect the health of customers, vendors, and residents. The Troy Market is an essential part of our local economy and food network, providing Troy families and visitors direct access to local farm-grown food. We have worked closely with market organizers and County Department of Health to ensure new rules and guidelines will be implemented to protect public health while providing access to fresh food and supporting local farmers,” Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said.
“This small-scale reopening of the Troy Market with a temporary downtown relocation, expanded hours, online ordering, and extension of pickup options will enable effective management of customers to ensure social distancing can continue and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Customers must wear a face mask when visiting the market and observe all rules and regulations from market management,” Madden continued.
“With the cooperation of vendors, customers, and local officials, we can ensure this important amenity can operate safely and effectively during this challenging time for our city, county, and state,” Madden added.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin also welcomed the return of the market to downtown Troy.
“We look forward to the return of a great Troy and Rensselaer County attraction, the Troy Farmer’s Market, as we also enjoy spring and ready for a return to some of the activities and events that give us our quality of life,” McLaughlin opined.
“The county Health Department and the market and city and business leaders have worked together in a cooperative and collaborative approach to bring the market back in some form. We look forward to the return of the market on May 16,” McLaughlin added.
In addition to the live market, TWFM Online allows customers to place orders for pickup at Carioto Produce Distribution Center located at 80 Cohoes Ave., Green Island.
For the time being the Wednesday Market is on hold and starting May 17, pickup will be on Sundays to allow the market staff to work the outdoor market on Saturdays.
One can access TWFM Online from https://troymarket.org or directly at https://troymarket.localfoodmarketplace.com
Customers are advised to check back with TWFM Online weekly as the number of items for sale will increase and change continuously as different crops come into season and more vendors join the web store.
Customers can also shop the Carioto online retail store for other products that can be ordered and picked up on the same trip. The link to that site can be found at: https://carioto. company.site/