Creston, BC – April 27, 2020: The Creston Valley Farmers’ Market (CVFM) is beloved among the residents of Creston Valley. Operational since 2003, it is celebrated for its diverse vendors and array of local products. This year, The Creston Valley Farmer’s Market will open on May, 2, 2020; however, it will be different from the market residents are used to.
On March 26, 2020, the Ministry of Health designated farmers’ markets as essential food and agriculture service providers under the BC state of emergency. Markets must comply with the Provincial Medical Health Officer’s (PHO) Order – Vending Merchandise at Markets and the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Guidance for Farmers’ Markets. These regulations include but are not limited to, limiting the number of people present in the market area, practicing safe physical distancing, providing hand-washing facilities, and increasing cleaning and disinfection practices.
The CVFM, in consultation with the Town of Creston, has been working hard to adapt to the new Provincial requirements. The Market will open with 11 food vendors that meet the criteria outlined by the PHO. Each vendor will be spaced to maintain physical distance from each other. Foot traffic into and out of the market will be monitored, hand wash stations will be available for public use, and no personal bags or containers will be permitted.
The CVFM is also adding a new way to shop starting this week. Customers can pre-order goods on-line at https://www.localline.ca/creston-valley-farmers-market and arrange a quick pick up of their goods during the market. Everyone is encouraged to keep checking the site weekly as more vendors & products become available.
We are used to the Farmers’ Market being a social hub, with entertainment, artists and prepared food available to eat onsite. For now, the Farmers’ Market is essential for local food security and distribution only. Those attending should “shop, don’t stop.” The Town of Creston encourages residents to purchase and enjoy the produce and food products that are available at the Farmers’ Market, but would like to remind everyone to exercise care, practice good personal hygiene and do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
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