Visiting an RVAg Farmers Market During Virginia’s Phase Two
We value your safety, and the safety of the RVAg staff, volunteers and vendors. Indeed, it is precisely why we were on of the last markets to reopen in the Capital Area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based upon the information provided by the CDC, FDA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (VDACS), the Virginia Department of Health, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, we will reopen several (but not all) of our farmers markets, beginning June 20th, 2020. Our reopening will comply with the Phase Two Guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia (the Guidelines), and include the best practices currently known to protect our customers and staff. We are all in this together, and respectfully ask for your understanding and compliance with the following:
WHAT IF YOUR NOT FEELING WELL?
If you are sick, exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19, know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the prior 14 days, or have a fever of 100.4 or above, you cannot come to the farm! We love you, and want you to be healthy! If you are not feeling well, you can still order from the RVAg Marketplace and come pick up your purchases at the market’s drive thru pickup where we place your pre-paid, pre-packaged items in the trunk of your car.
HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE?
Please be mindful of others, and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing from people who are not in your party.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND FROM MY FAMILY?
We recommend that you limit your shopping trip to just one member of your family or party at this time.
WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS AND THE DOG?
Pursuant to the Guidelines, children under the age of 16 are discouraged from attending the market at this time. We will not have any children’s activities, and any children’s play structures on site will be temporarily closed.
Dogs are allowed at markets, but MUST remain a minimum of 12-20 yards away from any food stalls (this is a Virginia Department of Health policy, and not a COVID-19 mandate). We kindly request that you leave Fido at home for now to discourage social gathering.
We sure love kids and dogs and can’t wait to have them come back!
ARE THE VENDOR STALLS PROPERLY DISTANCED FROM ONE ANOTHER?
The Guidelines require each vendor stall to be at least 6 feet apart. We’ve separated each stall by at least 10 feet.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK?
All RVAg market staff, volunteers and vendors are required to wear masks and gloves at this time. We highly encourage all of our market shoppers to follow these same protocols.
WILL THERE BE FOOD AVAILABLE TO EAT ON SITE?
As per Phase Two Guidelines, farmers markets are now allow to offer prepared food for sale on-site. All food must be packaged in To-Go containers. It may be eaten on-site if proper social distancing procedures are adhered to (stay 6′ from your neighbor, please).
Samples are allowed if they are prepared at the vendor’s home or commissary kitchen, but they must be labeled and come in to-go containers.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Typically we will stay open at Manakin Market during rain, although we will most likely move the market out to the side road for easy access. Most of our mid-week markets do not stay open during periods of heavy rain.
If it storms, we have to close. Tents and lightening do not mix!
THESE ARE A LOT OF RULES! WHAT THE HECK?
Yes, these are a lot of rules! Please know that we consider the Guidelines as extremely important, and necessary to insure the safety of all. If you feel that abiding by the Guidelines is too much to ask, or cramps your style, we fully appreciate and respect your point of view. However, if you don’t want to abide by the Guidelines, or our safety protocols, visiting us is not an option. We have an online marketplace with a drive thru pickup option that may be a better way for you to procure local food for now!
