GrowNYC COVID-19 Response

October 17, 2020
Posted in GrowNYC

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COVID Safety Restrictions Update as of June 18, 2021:

GrowNYC has updated our COVID-related safety protocols across Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box sites in accordance with new guidelines from the CDC and New York City and State Departments of Health.

Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks and social distancing will no longer be enforced. GrowNYC no longer regulates touching/handling produce.

Individual farm businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands.

All concerns regarding this policy should be addressed to GrowNYC management via email at info@grownyc.org.

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Since the coronavirus pandemic hit New York City, GrowNYC has responded swiftly to the needs of our community.

Deemed essential businesses, we quickly reconfigured our 80+ food access sites to keep them open and safe for shoppers, producers, and staff. ​We are working with community partners to deliver free Fresh Food Boxes to low income New Yorkers who are undocumented, unemployed, or struggling in high need neighborhoods. Additionally, we have been building out distance learning resources to continue to support educators and the general public as learning spaces move remote.

For 50 years now, GrowNYC has been a resource for all New Yorkers who want to improve quality of life and protect the environment. You can continue to rely on us for access to fresh food, education, green spaces and more.

GrowNYC Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box Sites Map and Schedule

GrowNYC's 80+ open-air Greenmarket locations, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box locations are crucial to the 250 regional farmers and producers who sell through them, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of New York City residents who rely on the them as an essential source of fresh, healthy food.  Eighty-five percent of our farms report that they would not be in business if not for the ability to sell directly to New York City shoppers.

As always, SNAP/EBT is accepted at all GrowNYC Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box locations. 

*Some Food Scrap Drop-off Sites are re-opening. See our Compost Program page for updates.

*Some Clothing Collections at Greenmarkets are re-opening. See our Clothing Collection Program page for updates. To schedule a pick-up of textiles for a fee, please contact Wearable Collections. 

Farmers Markets are Essential Businesses

Farmers markets are open as essential retail busineses while New York State is on P.A.U.S.E. 

GrowNYC Schedule Updates 

View real-time updates on market closures and GrowNYC program schedule changes, and follow us on social media.

Fellow Farmer - Pre-Order and Delivery

Fellow Farmer is a platform that allows customers to pre-order from the farmers market for pickup, or schedule a home delivery. 

Learn more at Fellow Farmer. 

COVID Guidelines - Market Safety for Shoppers 

We encourage you to please adhere to the following safety protocols to protect yourselves, your fellow shoppers, and our Producers and their employees. 

  • Masks Welcome & Encouraged
  • Unvaccinated Individuals: Masks Required
  • ​Individual Market Stands May Require Masks
  • If you are sick, stay home

Emergency Food Resources

Information about free meals, food pantries, SNAP enrollment, cash assistance, Medicaid, and food delivery assistance available here.

Additionally, GrowNYC is working with community partners to deliver free Fresh Food Boxes to low income New Yorkers who are undocumented, unemployed, or struggling in high need neighborhoods.

Distance Learning Activities and Resources

Due to school closure and social distancing measures, our Education Programs are currently not operating our Zero Waste and Food & Nutrition programs in schools, School Garden workshops and giveaways, Greenmarket tours or Teaching Garden field trips. In the meantime, we've developed a Distance Learning resource page for educators, families, and students of all ages, including our Virtual Teaching Garden, where you can keep up with planting and projects at our Teaching Garden at Governors Island and explore related activities you can do at home.

Recent Press

Bklyner, Food Carts and Trucks Struggle While Farmers Markets Soldier On Under Coronavirus Conditions
Bloomberg, Farmers Markets are a Lifeline to Growers Hurt by Coronavirus 
Boston Globe, Coronavirus Should Shift Our Focus to a More Locally Sourced Food Supply
Brookings Institute, Farmers Markets are Vital During COVID-19, but They Need More Support
CBS New York, Coronavirus Update: NYC Farmers Markets Open With New Safety Guidelines
Eater, NYC’s Farmers Market Can Be a Calming Oasis of Socially Distanced Grocery Shopping
Food & Wine, How to Shop Safely at the Farmer's Market During the Coronavirus Pandemic​
Goop, Union Square Greenmarket
NBC, Food Sellers Enforce Social Distancing to Protect Shoppers
NY1, How Food Markets Adapt Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
Pix 11, How to Keep Social Distancing at Farmer's Markets
Secret New York, Most NYC Greenmarkets are Still Open, Here are Their Rules for Shopping Safely
Staten Island Advance, Staten Island Greenmarkets to Remain Open with Precautions in Place
Telemundo, Mercados al Aire Libre en NYC Siguen Ofreciendo Servicio Pese a Cuarentena
The New York Times, Why Outdoor Farmers' Markets Matter More Than Ever
Time Out New York, NYC Farmers Markets Stay Open with Strict New Social Distancing Protocols

GrowNYC Needs Your Support 

For nearly 50 years, GrowNYC has made it easy for New Yorkers to take everyday actions that benefit the environment. Serving over 3 million New Yorkers every year, our programs encourage all citizens to lead mindful lives, like eating seasonally and locally, conserving resources, and preserving green space. Please consider a donation of any amount, we need your support now more than ever. 

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