Farmers markets are a staple of summer, bringing healthy, fresh, and local food right to you.
However, COVID-19 has changed the ways we shop at farmers markets. On a positive note, though, many markets are not letting that stand in the way from getting fresh food to you. And, to sweeten the honey pot, there are programs for individuals using EBT!
Read on for more info on fresh, local food and you! Don't have the tech to access this info anywhere you go? Let us know! We want to help you get access, and help you cross that digital divide!
Technology and Farmers' Markets
They may seem unrelated, but technology and farmers' markets are now inseparable! Farmers' Market Managers use social media to get the word out, especially in a highly digitized world. Through Facebook pages and events, websites, emails, and more, important information is communicated through these portals. If you don't have access to this info, you might show up somewhere and expect a market, but find it canceled due to the holiday!
Even more, delicious and healthy recipes, information on what fruits and veggies are in season, and more can all be found with a quick websearch!
Don't let lack of access stop you from eating fresh and healthy this summer. Click HERE to learn more about ConnectHome Akron's programming.
Summit County Farmers' Markets
Above is a map with confirmed or updated Farmers' Markets for the 2020 summer season. The map pins in green indicate SNAP/EBT is accepted and participation in the Produce Perks Nutrition Incentive program. Red pins do not participate in either of these programs.
Click on the pin to learn more about each market, including website, dates, times, location, and more. For any updated information, please go to the website or contact the market manager. With COVID-19, the world is changing daily, so stay up to date!
Safety Tips for Summer Farmers' Markets
In the new age of COVID-19, there are steps you must take to keep your family and yourself safe. Read on for best practices for attending your local Farmers' Market.
1. Wear a cloth or disposable mask
This will minimize the spreading of droplets from you to other people, and may also offer you protection against other. The CDC stongly recommends the use of a reusable cloth face covering when going out in public. Learn more HERE.
2. Stay 6 feet apart from others as much as you can
Since COVID-19 spreds from close contact to infected individuals, please try to stay 6 feet (two arms width) apart from other people.
3. Use hand sanitizer while you are there, and wash your hands throughly for at least 20 seconds once you get home.
This is especially important when coming into contact with shared surfaces, or have been in a public place. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Store your food properly
It is important the the healthy food we buy at the market stays healthy for us to consume! A general food safety guide can be found HERE, but for specific fruits and veggies, a quick websearch can help you determine the best way to store your kale, rhubarb, peaches, and blueberries.
We hope this helped you find your local farmers' market, discover SNAP/EBT perks avalible at select locations, and more. Healthy, local and fresh food are avalible all summer long, so take advantage of it while you can!
We will be frequently updating the blog with more resources, so subscribe below! If you have any suggestions for the next blog topic, email amahon@akronhousing.org to suggest it. If we feature it, you'll get a special shoutout!