State Farmers Markets Continue To Encourage Social Distancing

RALEIGH – As North Carolina begins to open up, state officials are reminding shoppers at the four state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh to continue practicing social distancing and other safety measures while visiting the markets.

“We have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of both farmers and shoppers at the market,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Now, we need the public to do their part by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the recommendations of the CDC and public health officials.”

Many changes have already been made at farmers markets to ensure the safety of shoppers. These changes include limiting the number of vendors at the market, increasing spacing between vendors, adding additional hand sanitizer stations, and providing masks and gloves for market vendors. In addition, the department is asking families to designate a family shopper and limit their time at the market.

“We love seeing entire families spend a Saturday morning at the market, but now is not the time for that,” Troxler said. “We encourage people to designate a family shopper, make a shopping list before they come, purchase what they need and go home.”

About the State Farmers Markets:

State Farmers Market, 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Special Days for At-Risk Population: Mondays and Tuesdays

Note: State Farmers Market Restaurant, N.C. Seafood Restaurant, Market Grill, 321 Coffee are closed.

WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road, Asheville

Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special Days for At-Risk Population: Mondays and Tuesdays

Note: The Moose Café is closed.

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

Special Days for At-Risk Population: Tuesdays-Thursdays

Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, 2914 Sandy Ridge Road, Colfax

Hours: Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Special Days for At-Risk Population: Mondays and Tuesdays

Note: The Moose Café is closed.