News

For Immediate Release

April 3rd, 2020

RICHMOND FARMERS MARKET LAUNCHES ONLINE FARMERS MARKET

RICHMOND, IN. – After deciding to cancel the last six weeks of the Winter Farmers Market due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Market vendors and staff were left searching for a way to ensure continuity for vendors who rely on the Richmond Farmers Market for their business and customers who depend on the Market for access to fresh, local food. These foods include produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams & jellies, and much more. 

After researching all available options and consulting with other Markets across the state and country, the Richmond Farmers Market Advisory Team has launched a new online farmers market through local food e-commerce provider Local Line. With a mission of “...help[ing] every local food supplier profitably grow their business and...exponentially increase access to local food,” Local Line fits well with the Richmond Farmers Market’s mission, and this new platform will allow customers to comfortably and safely order food from all of their favorite Richmond Farmers Market vendors. Thanks to a grant from the Wayne County Foundation and a partnership with the Wayne County Food Council, 20 vendors will receive 6 months of free membership in the online Farmers Market.

Found online at farmersmarket.richmondindiana.gov, customers can order products from any vendor signed up through the platform, and choose from options such as delivery, pickup, no-contact hand-offs, and more. Payment can also be made online, eliminating the need for any unnecessary contact for both customer and vendor. Orders can also be placed over the phone by calling (765) 983-7425 during business hours.

“This program is a huge win for our vendors, and something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time…” says Market Coordinator Caleb Smith. “I’m so grateful to our vendors and customers for the flexibility and support for our local food economy during these uncertain times.”

All vendors follow the highest standards for cleanliness and comply with all directives and guidance from the Wayne County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health. Additionally, many argue that purchasing from local farmers and chefs is a lower risk for transmission of COVID-19, as products do not change hands multiple times or sit exposed to contamination in high traffic environments. 

As a business classified as “essential retail” under Governor Holcomb’s Stay-At-Home Executive Order (issued on March 23rd), the Richmond Farmers Market intends to open as scheduled for the summer season on May 2nd at Jack Elstro Plaza with enhanced cleaning protocols and a slightly modified layout to promote social distancing measures. Customers are encouraged to order ahead of time before the Market to lessen unnecessary contact, and ensure product availability. 

During the month of April, the Reid Double Dollars SNAP program will still be available for customers and vendors to utilize. Customers interested in purchasing Richmond Farmers Market SNAP tokens should call (765) 983-7425.

If community members have any questions about the Richmond Farmers Market or the online farmers market, they are encouraged to visit richmondindiana.gov/resources/farmers-market or to reach out by emailing richmondfarmersmarketIN@gmail.com or by calling 765-983-7425.

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For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please contact the Richmond Farmers Market via the contact details below:

Caleb Smith
Richmond Farmers Market Coordinator
Richmond Parks and Recreation
2200 East Main Street  | E: csmith@richmondindiana.gov
Richmond, IN 47374    |T: (765) 983-7425