CitySeed Launches Socially Distanced Farmers Markets with the Edgewood Park Farmers Market Opening this Sunday, July 5th

New Haven, CT – CitySeed is pleased to announce the launch of two socially-distanced walk-through farmers markets starting Sunday, July 5th. These markets will operate under CT Department of Agriculture’s safety guidelines and have strict social distancing protocols.  CitySeed is excited to move from the pre-order farmers market platform, developed earlier this year in response to the pandemic, to a model that will continue to provide a safe environment and accommodate on-site shopping.   “We have worked closely and have been in constant communication with City and State officials, our vendors, and customers to determine what model market was feasible in New Haven given the constraints of our existing sites and the what had been a high rate of COVID-19 within the city.” said Erin Carey, CitySeed Director of Markets.

On Sunday, July 5th CitySeed will be returning to Edgewood Park, under our new market model, and on July 11th at Conte West School.  The Conte West site has been operating as a pre-order market since May.  The Conte West market will be closed for the holiday on Saturday, July 4th and resume on the 11th as a socially distanced walk-through market.  There are no plans to move the Wooster Square Farmers Market to the Russo Park location this season but CitySeed anticipates a return to its original location in April 2021.

The market hours and locations are as follows:

  • The Wooster Square Socially Distanced Farmers Market, located this season at the Conte West Hills School, will run Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm at 511 Chapel St., New Haven.  Shopping Reservations will be required from 9:00am – 10:30am and walk-up customers can access the market starting at 10:30am with no reservation.  
  • The Edgewood Park Socially Distanced Farmers Market will take place every Sunday starting July 5th at Edgewood Park on the corner of Whalley Ave. and West Rock Ave,. from 10:00am – 1:00pm.  Shopping Reservations will be required from 10:00am – 11:00am.  The market will be open to walk-ups without reservations at 11:00am.  

CitySeed is committed to providing fresh local food during the crisis and will continue to double SNAP dollar-for-dollar with no cap for fresh fruits and vegetables.  This season, CitySeed will also be doubling Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons, while funding lasts.  

“We are very excited for our markets to shift to a walk-through model! Having the option to walk through the markets makes the market more accessible and a little more fun.” Frankie Douglass, Marketing Coordinator. To ensure a safe market and to help limit crowd size, CitySeed will require advance sign ups for set hours in the beginning of each market. The market will open up to walk-ins for the remainder of the market.  Customers can sign up for a reservation at cityseed.org each week.  While pre-ordering is no longer mandatory, many vendors will still be offering the option.

To offer a safe and healthy shopping environment for our customers and vendors, the following precautions will be taken:

  • Spacing vendors stalls at least 8 ft apart
  • Requiring that all vendors and customers wear a mask within the marketplace
  • Requesting that if anyone or a member of their household are sick, that they refrain from attending or vending at the markets
  • Providing hand sanitizing solution to customers and vendors (in addition to handwashing stations)
  • Encouraging that pre-ordering when possible
  • Asking that customers refrain from congregating at vendor stalls and maintain the CDC’s recommended social distancing space of 6ft.
  • Asking that customers refrain from handling any products they have not yet purchased
  • Reminding customers that no purchased items should be consumed on-site – please enjoy your items at home
  • Asking customers to shop in a timely manner and leave, to ensure everyone will be able to access the market

“We know the markets will not be the same social experience as they were prior to COVID-19, but we are confident that our community will continue to find the market a safe enjoyable place to purchase delicious, locally produced food.” Ashley Kremser, CitySeed’s Managing Director

Farmers Markets continue to be a great option for those looking for a safe environment to procure food.  Not only are the products handled by fewer people than what customers may find at a traditional grocery store, but the farmers market takes place in an open-air environment that provides ample room for social distancing. 

CitySeed would like to thank the generous sponsors and funders of the 2020 Farmers Market season, including: Manjares, the CT Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit East, Sustainable CT, the Yale Community for New Haven Fund, the New Alliance Foundation, and our community of donors and partners providing general operating support to CitySeed’s mission.

Health equity is a primary focus of CitySeed’s work.  We enhance access to healthy food through our network of Farmers’ Market locations, SNAP Double Value Coupon Program, policy work and other food-related programs. For more visit www.cityseed.org.