April 17. The much-loved Davidson Farmers Market won’t open until May 2 at the earliest because of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“This decision was a difficult choice to make. As an organization, we have a responsibility to make sure that our vendors and shoppers are safe, first,” says market manager Justin Burke-Samson, the former executive pastry chef at Kindred Restaurant in Davidson.

The non-profit market brings together thousands of shoppers in a manner that doesn’t lend itself to social distancing and red tape on the floor in six-foot increments.

Putting farmers and shoppers together

In the meantime Davidson Farmers Market is operating as a center of information for vendors and shoppers, connecting the two to one another to ensure farmers and small businesses “can continue to operate and that shoppers can have access to local and fresh produce and food.”

DFM’s Facebook page connects vendors and shoppers by posting when a farmer will set up shop at the Davidson Library on the nearby Davidson Green, for example, or open up at the various farms.

DFM is offering off-site pickup at the Davidson Library parking lot from vendors throughout the week. Offerings and times will grow as they continue this service.

“We want to make sure that as an organization we create a space that is healthy and safe for everyone at all times. We are taking this brief break to do our part to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and to implement new protocols for operations that include an increase in sanitation and disinfectant practices,” Burke-Samson said.

More info: Justin@DavidsonFarmersMarkets.org