Ready, Set…

It’s almost time to order!

So apparently live videos during this time is not our (my) thing! So, we’re following up with a written post to make sure we cover everything I missed! I also, apologize for being a bit of a wreck, but the Market is such a social place, this online thing is hard for us (and clearly me) and we really miss seeing you!

We want to remind people that the NGFM is an independent non-profit co-operative. Like many other non-profit organizations right now, we are doing the best we can with very limited income. We are thrilled to be able to connect our producers with our community and thank Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia and the Department of Agriculture for this opportunity.

Anyhow, onward. The things I covered but you may have missed:

• Online ordering opens every week on Sundays at Noon HERE and ordering closes on Wednesdays at 3pm to allow your producers to harvest and prepare your food fresh to order for Saturday
• Saturdays will be pick up day, between 1pm and 3pm
• Your producers are working hard to upload product, but they just started learning the process Thursday so not everything may make it on in time for this week. Please check back weekly for new products and new producers.
• We have worked out a process that is safe and follows Provincial and Federal guidelines, you are asked to respect the process. It may be a bit bumpy at first, but please be patient, we’ll get the kinks worked out.
• You will need to secure your order with a credit card, but you don’t have to pay for it that way. You can pay via EMT or by debit at the car. If you are paying via credit card, your card will not be charge until after pick up in case we have to make any adjustments. This saves us some work on the back end with credits, etc.
• Please only send one person during your scheduled time more about that HERE, only leave your car to open the trunk. Customers will not be permitted to enter the dome to comply with social distancing protocols.
• Please do not stick around and socialize if you see someone you know (yes, we know this goes against everything we love and are familiar with at the Market, but it has to be this way for now) So as our Premier put it, if you’re not doing pick up, please “Stay the Blazes home!”

About safety:

This is the most important thing for us and we take it very seriously. We want you to know that you can shop with confidence.

Low contact and social distancing has become really important. This is something that Farmers Markets have always done and is nothing new. We are straight from producer to consumer. The only people handling a product is the producer and the consumer. There is no added transport or packaging or unnecessary steps and everything will as fresh as it always has been. The only thing new to us, is not being able to have the social atmosphere we all love.

Tables will be disinfected, your orders will be in paper and plastic bags (sorry, no re-usable bags at this time (I know, this sucks too)) we have gloves and of course, lots of hand washing.

A couple of last thoughts:

Buying and supporting local has never been more important than it is right at this moment. That goes not only for the Farmers Market, but also all of our neighbourhood restaurants, businesses and other non-profit organizations. Keeping that economic flow going, caring and supporting each other is how we’re all going to make it through this as a community.

We recognize this is a huge change in the way people experience the Market and we ask for patience while we adapt to this new way of selling.

We are very excited to serve you and we can’t wait until we can see you again face to face when this is over!

Kristi Russell,
Market Manager
New Glasgow Farmers Market Co-operative