Outdoor Troy Waterfront Farmers Market Returns May 16
Aerial photograph showing new, temporary, location of Troy Waterfront Farmers Market in the Russel Sage College parking lot at 1st & Division streets.
Press Contact: Duncan Crary (518) 274-2723
DCC@DuncanCrary.com
OUTDOOR TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET RETURNS MAY 16
New Temporary Location, Safety Protocols Put Focus on Essential Products
Online Ordering Will Continue, Pickup Moving to Sunday only
TROY, N.Y. (5/7/20) — The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (TWFM) will hold its first outdoor market in Troy next Saturday, May 16.
“The good news is that the outdoor farmers market is returning to Troy for our twenty-first season,” said Zack Metzger, market president. “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.”
Although the state classified farmers markets as an essential activity, the indoor winter farmers market paused in mid-March, recognizing the need to reduce contact and slow the spread of COVID-19. During talks with market management over the past month, officials from both 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.
The market has addressed those concerns with a plan to re-open on a smaller scale in a new temporary location with a focus on essential products, and then expand in size and scope later as the COVID-19 situation improves.
"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," said Steve Ridler, TWFM manager. "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."
The market recently implemented TWFM Online, a web-based store and contact-less pickup system that launched last week 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 the different needs of customers.
HOW IT WILL WORK
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 permitted in the market, although service dogs are allowed.
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., resulting in 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 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 pre-packaged 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. Provision 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 all your favorite vendors and includes a new interactive regional map.
“It’s worth noting that our last indoor market coincided with the start of Governor 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 re-opening the economy of our state, county and city,” Ridler said. “We’re taking a phased-in 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.”
If the re-opening of the market goes smoothly it has the option to expand on Sage property first and then, if things continue to go well, the market plans to return 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.”
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,” said Chris Ames, President of Russell Sage College.
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said, “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. 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. 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.”
"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. 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," said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
PICKUP FOR ONLINE ORDERS MOVES TO SUNDAYS STARTING MAY 17
Launched last week, TWFM Online allows customers to place orders for pickup at Carioto Produce Distribution Center located at 80 Cohoes Avenue, 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.
Access TWFM Online from https://troymarket.org or directly at https://troymarket.localfoodmarketplace.com
Customers should 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.
ADDITIONAL GROCERIES BY CARIOTO FOR PICKUP
Customers can also shop the Carioto online retail store for other products that can be ordered and picked up on the same trip. Visit: https://carioto.company.site/ (or look for the link at TWFM Online).
CHECK FOR UPDATES
For updates and to sign up to the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market email newsletter, visit: https://www.troymarket.org
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TroyWaterfrontFarmersMarket On Instagram @TroyMarket https://www.instagram.com/troymarket
Press Contact: Duncan Crary (518) 274-2723 DCC@DuncanCrary.com
