Keeping together….while staying apart: the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market

farmers market

Keeping together….while staying apart: the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market

Service groups, community organizations, and local businesses have faced incredible challenges to operate as close to normal as possible.  Each of these groups and organizations make the community a better place to live. The Wallaceburg Farmers Market Volunteer Committee in partnership with the Downtown Wallaceburg BIA has been operating a Farmers’ Market since 2017.  Each year it has grown with more dates and vendors, providing the community with a social setting to buy food and artisanal goods produced locally.

“We knew we had to make the market happen safely this year more than any other year, so we reached out to the local health unit for guidance,” says Kelsey Nydam, Coordinator of the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market

Nydam further adds, “With so many people struggling in various ways, having a community space to safely see others and get fresh produce was a huge priority for us”

hand sanitizer stand

Hand Sanitizer Stand at the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market

CK Public Health recognizes how vital the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market is to the community.  We were able to supply advice on setting up physical distancing barricades, hand sanitizer stations, positive messaging on staying safe, and directional arrows.  The market successfully implemented each of these important public health measures while witnesses record breaking sales for their local vendors.

The Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market operates outdoors in the 708 James Street parking lot, in Downtown Wallaceburg.  They had nine dates this year, running every other Saturday from June 20th through Thanksgiving. Thanks to their efforts to keep everyone safe, visitors were able to purchase products and enjoy a sense of community at a distance.

Thank you for your continued support to the community, and thank you for bringing the community together: while staying apart.

Are you a service or community group that has shared public health messaging in creative ways? Let us know! Email us at ckpublichealth@chatham-kent.ca