WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday night’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen unanimously supported the Wilmington Farmers Market Association’s plans to hold a drive-thru market on the Swain Green for its 2020 summer season, plus for a special opening on Sunday, May 17, 2020.
Town Manager Jeff Hull highlighted key details of this creative model:
- Customers will order their food items in advance.
- Customers will pay for their orders in advance.
- Customers will sign up for a slot when they order and must arrive at the Swain Green during that predetermined time.
- Customers will pull up to a station and vendors, using PPE, will place the orders in the vehicle.
- Customers won’t have to leave their vehicles at all.
- The market will be restricted to food vendors only.
- Customers’ vehicles will follow a designated flow and exit onto School Street.
- The market’s hours remain Sundays, 10am to 1pm, from June 14 to October 11, with a special market on May 17.
“There seems to be a pretty air right process to minimize any exposure issues,” said Hull.
Hull noted Farmers Market Association President Dana Burnham worked with Recreation Director Karen Campbell to come up with the plan. Health Director Shelly Newhouse, Police Chief Joe Desmond, and Fire Chief Bill Cavanaugh all support the plan.
“This plan submitted also addressed all of my concerns,” said Selecman Jonathan Eaton. “It’s very creative to have a pre-order, time slot, drive-thru farmers market. It’s a great way to think outside the box and keep the tradition going.”
Eaton’s colleagues similarly praised the market organizers for their efforts to adopt to the “new normal.”
Burnham encouraged customers to view the Market’s website for additional details.
The plan, as described on the market’s website, is as follows:
Overview
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to continue to bring fresh and locally sourced food to our community, the Wilmington Farmers Market will begin operating a weekly Drive-Thru Market where customers can pick up their pre-ordered food from the select list of essential vendors below. All sales are made directly through the vendors, and payments must be made in advance (exceptions can be made direct with the vendors on a case-by-case basis).
Details
Dates: Sunday, May 17; Every Sunday From June 14-October 11
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (10 pick up slots are available every 15 minutes)
Location: Swain Green Parking Lot @ 140 Middlesex Avenue
Instructions
1. CHOOSE A PICK UP TIME
2. Once you have a confirmed pick up time, please place your order(s) by
contacting the vendors you wish to buy from below.
3. Pre-pay for your order with each vendor. Payments can only be accepted
on-site if pre-arranged with the vendor (ex: for SNAP payments)
4. Arrive at the pick-up lot (140 Middlesex Ave) in your confirmed 15-min window (chosen in Step #1) and stay in your vehicle! The Market Manager will direct you upon arrival. Vendors will place orders inside your vehicle.
Safety Guidelines
For your own safety, and the safety of our wonderful vendors, please consider the following guidelines when you come to the market:
– Stay inside your vehicle
– Pop your trunk
– Wear a face mask
– Sanitize your packages when you arrive home
To date, the following vendors plan on participating: Cupcake City, Gaouette Farm, Happy Apples, North of Boston Farm, Polish Prince Pierogi, Red Antler Apothecary, Samira’s Homemade, and Seafood Express. More will likely join. Ordering information for each will be published on the market’s website.
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