Digital farmers market allows for safer local purchases
Jefferson County Farmers Market launched an online farmers market April 21 where people can order local fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products online to maintain safe social distancing measures put in place by the state. Grocery stores and farmers markets are considered essential businesses under Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order because they provide essential food to the communities they serve. Originally, the Jefferson County Farmers Market Board planned to open on April 1, but after receiving many concerns from community members, director Amanda Milholland announced the organization would postpone its opening. In the meantime, with the help of a grant from the Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund, the board opened an online market to help people safely receive local products each week and minimize the number of shoppers at the market.