How Three Atlanta Farmers Markets Are Operating Under New COVID-19 Guidelines

For many Atlantans, a trip to the neighborhood farmers market is part of the weekly routine to gather ingredients for upcoming meals, stock up on locally roasted coffee beans, and sample dishes from chefs and food pop-ups.

Now in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, once crowded Atlanta farmers markets have adapted quickly to put safe social distancing measures, stricter sanitation standards, and preordering in place.

Here’s what to know before heading out to three of Atlanta’s most popular weekend farmers markets under the mayor’s COVID-19 “stay-at-home” order.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

The market, located in the parking lot at the Cathedral of St. Philip on Saturdays, is currently closed for on-site sales, but is taking preorders for pick-up on March 28. A list of market vendors can be found here, with contact details for each to arrange pick-up.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market accepts and doubles SNAP (EBT/food stamp) benefits.

According to the site, Peachtree Road Farmers Market hopes to reopen with safety measures and modifications in place on Saturday, April 4. Continue to check the website for updates.

Freedom Farmers Market

Freedom Farmers Market, located in a parking lot adjacent to the Carter Center on Saturdays, accepts preorders and has barred on-site food consumption from chef pop-ups. Food is being packaged to-go.

The market features hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer at each booth, more space between booths, contactless payment options, and preorder pick-ups with contact information to order from vendors here.

Shoppers are being asked to point to products they wish to purchase, rather than handling or bagging it themselves, to maintain an arm’s length between others in line, and to not linger at the market when finished shopping.

Freedom Farmers Market doubles SNAP dollars. Scan EBT card at the market tent in exchange for tokens to be used as payment at booths.

Grant Park Farmers Market

Currently located at Eventide Brewing, the Sunday market is offering a prearranged curbside personal shopping program. For now, dogs are prohibited at the market and people must wash their hands prior to entering. Only one shopper at a time is permitted at each booth. Shoppers are not to touch products at booths and must let the vendor bag each item. All safety procedures and updates are listed on the market’s COVID-19 page.

Grant Park Farmers Market continues to double SNAP benefits.

Local farm produce for home delivery

For those who feel unsafe venturing to the farmers market, consider purchasing local produce and meats from a CSA or services like Fresh Harvest or Bag’d for home delivery. Georgia-based livestock farms such as White Oak Pastures also offer home delivery.

NOTE: The novel coronavirus situation in Georgia is fluid and ongoing. Follow Eater Atlanta for continuing coverage on COVID-19’s impact on Atlanta’s restaurant industry. Additional stories are forthcoming.

Check the Georgia Department of Public Health website for guidance and twice-daily updates on the latest number of reported COVID-19 cases.

• Keep Track of How the Coronavirus Is Impacting Atlanta’s Food Scene [EATL]