It is official! After a successful pilot period during the month of August, the Dane County Farmers’ Market will continue the Saturday Hybrid Market on Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center through October 31, 2020.
The Saturday Hybrid Market provides customers two different opportunities to buy directly from the DCFM’s family farmers and small food producers:
1) Customers can place a pre-order via the DCFM’s online marketplace on WhatsGood and drive-thru to pick up their pre-orders between 7-9am; and
2) Customers may spontaneously shop at the walk-up market between 9:30am-12:30pm. (Please note this new ending time)
“During our pilot period, we learned that customers strongly support both our pre-order/drive-thru model and the new walk-up market,” says Market Manager, Sarah Elliott, “By continuing to offer both of these components through the end of October, we hope to connect as many customers to family farmers as we can.”
Since the DCFM began the pre-order/drive-thru model in late April, customers have spent more than $845,000 with DCFM members. “In a year that is filled with so much uncertainty, these sales opportunities are critical to the viability of our family farmers,” says Market Manager, Sarah Elliott.
While the walk-up component feels more like a traditional farmers’ market, for the safety of DCFM vendors and customers, there is a strict Safe Shopper Code of Conduct and safety measures are enforced. The DCFM is open as an essential food access point, so attendees are encouraged to think of their trip to Market like their weekly grocery shopping. Important instructions may be found on the DCFM website: https://dcfm.org/markets/saturday-market-at-willow-island
The DCFM will continue to host the pre-order/drive-thru Local Food Pick Up on Wednesdays from 3-6pm, in addition to the Saturday Hybrid Market. The Wednesday Local Food Pick Ups run thru November 4, 2020.
“As an independent organization, the DCFM has been in a difficult position since our permit for the Capitol Square was revoked. We are so thankful for the support that Dane County and the Alliant Energy Center has provided,” says Market Manager, Sarah Elliott.
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