The annual and much-anticipated Farmer's Market for Charity from the members of Yara Community Gardens has the green light to go ahead this year, but there are a few changes to the usual order of things due to COVID-19.
The farmer's market will be set up on Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but this year it will take place at the Hunger in Moose Jaw office on Stadacona Street West and will feature a pre-order and pickup format.
Fresh vegetable enthusiasts will have to preorder their produce virtually through the Hunger in Moose Jaw Facebook page and pay in advance via e-transfer. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing will be a must when picking up veggies at the market, and those unable to make it during the morning hours can arrange their pickup by appointment.
All of the available produce from the community gardens will be shared on Facebook the evening before the market, which is when Hunger in Moose Jaw will begin taking requests through Facebook Messenger from customers to reserve their chosen veggies.
The preorder window will close at 8 a.m. on Aug. 29, allowing staff time to organize the individually packaged produce for pickup.
Over 150 gardeners rent space at the community gardens, and nearly all of them contribute a portion of their harvest to the annual farmer's market. This will be the 14th year of the event.
All of the funds raised at this year's market will be put directly back into Hunger In Moose Jaw programming, specifically the lunch program for Moose Jaw students.
Normally, the market is held on location at the Yara Community Gardens, to offer visitors a chance to explore the gardening space and learn about gardening, but the change in format has been made for the same reasons so many other events and groups have been making changes recently: to ensure proper physical distancing and to minimize physical contact.
Hunger In Moose Jaw is hoping that the preorder and pick up format will help ensure everyone's safety.
More information about the preordering process can be found on the Yara Community Gardens Facebook page.
