Farmers market announces cancellations
TROY, N.Y. » Taking their cues from Rensselaer County Public Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas, Thursday, leaders of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market canceled the market for the next two Saturdays (March 14 and 21).
Officials with the Farmers Market noted the decision is in line with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement Thursday afternoon that gatherings of more than 500 people will not be permitted in
New York state.
“In [an] abundance of caution and care for our community members, some of whom may be in high-risk groups, we decided this morning to cancel our market for the next two Saturdays as leaders in the state seek to slow the spread of COVID-19,” President of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market Zack Metzger said in a statement.
As of Thursday afternoon, Rensselaer County has yet to identify any cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is a regional attraction drawing customers and vendors from across the Capital Region and beyond, including areas that are already experiencing the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Officials said the goal of the two-week closure is to slow down any local transmission of the virus as officials monitor the situation and determine how to best move forward.
“Temporary closure of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market during the month of March is an unfortunate, but necessary decision to protect the health of market customers, vendors and residents,” Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said in the news release.
“We remain in close communication with market staff and local health officials on efforts to reduce potential spread of coronavirus to Troy and Rensselaer County,” Madden added.
Leaders of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market stressed that the weekly, year-round market in Troy and the customers it draws are essential to the livelihood of local farmers, producers, and vendors. Many downtown stores and restaurants also benefit greatly from the customers the market attracts to Troy on Saturdays.
“Our farmers market plays an important role in the local food network that is vital to food access in our region,” Metzger noted.
“We hope this two-week closure will only be temporary. We will remain in regular communication with the county department of health,” Metzger added.
In the meantime, the market said it is looking at alternative delivery mechanisms to provide customers access to fresh local food.