Hampton Farmer’s Market given green light to begin May 19

The Hampton Farmer’s Market has been given the green light to open later this month.

In the first phase to reopen Iowa introduced last Monday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that farmers markets would be among the services allowed to begin operation on May 1. Barb Ristau, Hampton Farmers Market Board Member, said, therefore, the market will host its first installment on Tuesday, May 19. The market will then run every Tuesday and Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. until October. All markets will be held in the lot east of Hardee’s on Highway 3.

Ristau said she’s pleased the governor will allow markets, as they provide a vital source of fresh produce and products to customers of all walks of life and accept food aid resources such as senior citizens checks and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) checks.

Ristau said that changes will be made to the market set up to encourage social distancing and safe exchange of money and product between customers and vendors. All vendors will be required to wear masks and gloves and customers are encouraged to wear masks if they feel the need. Vendors will be parked further apart and customers are also encouraged to observe the six foot rule.

Produce will not be placed in a location where customers can handle it before purchase, but will rather be kept behind vendor tables. Baked goods are to be packaged ahead of time.

Ristau said the market will also have basic hand washing stations available.

She said that while some of the changes may be unfamiliar compared to markets in the past, but the ability to host a version of the market is vital to vendors who plan on markets to move products and take in some income.

“It’s going to be different but it’s important to our vendors because they’ve already started their plants for the season, especially with fruits and vegetables,” Ristau said. “They need to have an outlet for their work and also for tracking food. The food supply is necessary and they’re part of it.”

Vendors interested in a booth at the farmers market are encouraged to visit the Hampton Farmers Market Facebook page for more information.