West Seattle Farmers’ Market 210 results

HALLOWEEN SEASON: Student-painted pumpkins at West Seattle Farmers Market

October 16, 2022 11:42 am
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 |   Halloween | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle for the photo! In their booth on the west side of the Farmers’ Market, Key Club members from Chief Sealth International High School are again selling painted pumpkins as a fundraiser. The market is on until 2 pm; if you miss them this week, they will be back next week.

FYI: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, one block north of its usual location

That’s the north end of the relocated-today-only West Seattle Farmers’ Market, by the Post Office in the 4400 block of California SW. In past years, the third day of West Seattle Summer Fest has seen the market relocate to its old spot behind KeyBank, but this year the West Seattle Junction Association – which presents the festival – is trying something new: Dropping music on Sunday (which tended to be lightly attended anyway), so the market could stay on California SW, one block north. We stopped by the market-management booth to ask about the vendor response; 46 vendors are here today, which is only five fewer than usual. Hours are the same as usual – so get your shopping and snacking done before 2 pm!

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Transportation tabling at WS Farmers’ Market

April 3, 2022 12:01 pm
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 |   Transportation | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

While real trains are still ~10 years away, cardboard light-rail trains are being clutched by kids at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, part of the freebies at Sound Transit‘s info table. Both ST and SDOT have tables at the market today, we noticed while walking through, so if you have questions for either transportation agency, this is an opportunity to get answers. ST of course is focused on the 25 days remaining to get your comment in about the West Seattle light rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement, while SDOT is mostly there to talk about commuting alternatives. Both tables are on the east side of the market, closer to the north end than the south end. As always, the market is open until 2 pm.

Longtime West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendor Mariposa Farm hit hard by flooding

(Photo from GoFundMe.com)

If you’re a regular West Seattle Farmers’ Market shopper, you know Mariposa Farm, a family-owned provider of fresh organic produce year-round. Last Sunday, they and other vendors had to deal with the revenue loss caused by the windstorm closure; then the next day, Mariposa Farm’s Whatcom County land was deluged by floodwaters. Multiple WSB readers have emailed to let us know that Mariposa is crowdfunding to try to recover; here’s the GoFundMe page, which has photos including the one above, as well as details of their losses. (Here’s an aerial look at flooding in Everson, where Mariposa Farm is located.)

CLOSED: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market today because of windy weather

9:16 AM: Thanks for the tips. The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is CLOSED today because of the windy weather, which is expected to continue throughout the day – the Wind Advisory alert says we could see gusts up to 45 mph. Details to come.

9:27 AM: That’s California south of Oregon, where the market usually would be set up. We talked to market staffers, who tell us that while the street-closure barricades are up right now, they’ll be coming down once they’re sure they’ve reached all the vendors.

West Seattle Farmers Market vendor Loki Fish Company recalling one of its products

August 29, 2021 9:41 am
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 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lisa for the tip: Loki Fish Company, a vendor at the West Seattle Farmers Market, is recalling one of its products, and if you have any of it, you can take it to them there for a refund. From the company’s announcement:

Loki Fish Company of Seattle is recalling 4 oz. packages of Keta Salmon Lox (UPC code 92103 00111) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with compromised immune systems….

The Keta Salmon Lox is packaged in a 4 oz. plastic package on a coated board. It is labeled as Wild Keta Lox, Loki Fish Co., Seattle, WA. There are no best-by dates on the package.

The Keta Salmon Lox was distributed through Cherry Sprout Produce in Portland, OR and Central Co-op and Pacific Coast Harvest in Seattle. It was also sold at the University District and West Seattle Farmers Markets.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The possibility of contamination was discovered during the FDA inspection at our co-packer Felix Custom Smoking, of Monroe, Washington in July 2021. Loki submitted samples of the Keta Lox to Micro-Chem Laboratories for testing. Loki has ceased production, sales, and distribution of keta lox immediately and Loki will continue the investigation as to what caused the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you have purchased this product, please do not consume it, and get rid of it immediately. You can return it to your place of purchase or to Loki Fish Company at the farmers market for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hing Ng at Loki Fish Company (hing@lokifish.com; 206-937-1048, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

While this is a company recall, not government-ordered, it was published on the FDA website as an FYI.

West Seattle Farmers Market: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is joining the WSB sponsor team at the peak of its summer bounty. New WSB sponsors get to tell you about themselves – here’s what the market wants you to know:

Each Sunday the West Seattle Farmers Market offers fresh, local, and nutrient-dense produce and groceries for growing families. The West Seattle Farmers Market runs year-round, every Sunday, and focuses on food. Everything that is sold at markets is grown, raised, or produced in Washington. Each time you shop at the markets, you’re supporting the nonprofit that runs it, but more importantly small farmers and small businesses.

West Seattle Farmers Market simply has the best fresh produce. Oftentimes fruits and vegetables are picked less than 48 hours before the market. Buying directly from farmers allows you to ask about regenerative farming practices, treatment of soil, humane treatment of animals and their diets, and on and on. Buying directly from the source cuts out the middle man where things get a little muddy. Incorporating farmers’ markets into your weekly shopping habits is good for you, good for the economy, and great for planet earth. West Seattle Farmers Market also has an option to shop online! Folks can shop from their couch via the WhatsGood app and then pick up their orders on Sunday morning at the market.

The market is also a member of the West Seattle Junction Association! We also use the market as a supportive community space for nonprofits. COVID restrictions decreased these activities, but as markets get back to being allowed to operate at full capacity, we will have nonprofits scheduled inside the market footprint again. There’s more on our website about nonprofits, events, etc) and various charity efforts in cooperation with the WSJA – like a December coat drive and Toys For Tots event.

The West Seattle Farmers Market is open 10 am-2 pm every Sunday, year-round, on California Avenue SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

We thank West Seattle Farmers Market for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

GARDENING: Need advice? Master Gardeners returning to West Seattle Farmers’ Market

(Bee in artichoke flower, photographed by Stewart L.)

Changes continue at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Tomorrow, Master Gardeners return:

WSU Extension Master Gardeners will return to the West Seattle Farmers Market this Sunday, July 11.

We can help identify plants that you have in your garden, and the problems that may trouble them – bring along a photo on your phone or a sample flower or leaf.

And if you are new to gardening, we have lots of ideas to help get you started.

Master Gardener volunteers are trained para-professionals who will provide you with information that is RESEARCH-BASED and focused on environmentally friendly gardening practices.

You can also ask gardening questions via email at ask-a-mastergardener@live.com

More information about the Master Gardener Program can be found here.

REOPENING: What’s changing at West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sunday

Look closely at the lower half of our photo from midday last Sunday and you’ll see the pink tape that has marked the perimeter of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for months, restricting entry and exit to its south and north ends. Turns out last Sunday was its last hurrah. Market management has notified the West Seattle Junction Association that the reopening changes mean it can drop the tape – so starting this Sunday (July 4th), you’ll be able to move freely between businesses and market booths. The market will no longer require masks for entry, either. And other changes may be ahead – stand by. Throughout the pandemic, despite being an outdoor venue, the market has had to deal with tough restrictions, especially from the city, which wouldn’t even let farmers’ markets open for two months, despite the governor having designated them as “essential.”

ADDED: More from the Farmers’ Market newsletter:

In accordance with the Washington State Department of Health masking order, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask while in our markets.

-There are no longer capacity restrictions or lines to enter the market!
-Eating and drinking in the markets is allowed.
-NFM and Public Health no longer regulate touching/handling of produce handling, however, individual farm and market businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands or ask if you’re unsure.

Oh Happy Day! Music, entertainment, and market events will be returning shortly.

FOOD & DRINK NOTES: Farmers’ Market; yogurt freebie; liquor-store followup

Three West Seattle food and drink notes this morning:

(WSB file photo, north end of market)

HOT FOOD @ FARMERS’ MARKET: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market management says it has Seattle/King County Public Health approval to bring back hot food, so vendors can again cook and serve at the market. But rules remain – for example, the announcement says:

Shoppers are not allowed to congregate in front of booths to wait for orders. When you arrive at market, check-in with your favorite prepared food vendor first thing. If it looks like your meal will take more than five minutes to prepare, do a lap, take care of your grocery shopping, then pick up your food on your way out. Each vendor will have their own method of managing wait times that best suit their business.

And once you have your food, it’s take-home time – no eating or drinking at the market. Plus – of course – masks are still required for all. The Farmers’ Market operates 10 am-2 pm Sundays on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon.

FREE YOGURT: Ellenos, a Seattle-based company, is giving away cups of its new Milk and Fruit yogurt at Whole Foods West Seattle (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) 9 am-12:30 pm Saturday. However, you can’t just show up – they’re asking you to sign up for a time slot here.

LIQUOR STORE: One month after Capco Beverages closed, the store’s new ownership has just filed for permits to overhaul the new space at 4712 42nd SW, the former Subway and Junction Fitness spots in outer Jefferson Square next to Nikko Teriyaki.

Got food/drink news? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

REMINDER: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomorrow

December 26, 2020 4:38 pm
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 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Don’t go looking for the West Seattle farmers’ Market in The Junction tomorrow – you won’t find it. Market managers and vendors decided to take a weekend off to recharge for the new year, and they’ll be back the following Sunday (January 3rd), 10 am-2 pm as usual.

No West Seattle Farmers’ Market next Sunday

December 21, 2020 2:15 pm
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 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Farmers’ Market can usually be found in The Junction every Sunday, rain or shine or snow or wind, even on holidays – but this year, the market’s decided to take a post-Christmas break. Market management explained to the Junction Association, “We gathered feedback from vendors and decided to cancel [December 27th] so everyone can have a weekend of rest before the new year.” (The order-online-for-pickup service was already planning to take next Sunday off anyway.) The market will be back on Sunday, January 3rd, 10 am-2 pm as usual.

YOU CAN HELP: Got some time to spare on Sundays?

(WSB photo from May)

If you’re going to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sundays anyway – the nonprofit that operates it is calling again for volunteers:

Volunteer opportunity to support local farms and food access!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help on market days with social distancing protocols and logistics, helping to keep our beloved farmers market running smoothly and safely for all. If you’d like to be a friendly, knowledgeable (masked) face inside the market, please fill out our volunteer application form! Of course, we’ll make sure you have time to shop too!

If you’re new – the market is open 10 am-2 pm Sundays in The Junction, on California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Farmers Market seeks volunteers

(WSB photo from May)

From the nonprofit that operates farmers’ markets including ours:

Volunteer opportunity to support local farms and food access!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help on market days with social distancing protocols and logistics, helping to keep our beloved farmers market running smoothly and safely for all. If you’d like to be a friendly, knowledgeable (masked) face inside the market, please fill out our volunteer application form! Of course, we’ll make sure you have time to shop too!

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back again Sunday

(WSB photo, May 3rd West Seattle Farmers’ Market)

For a third week after the mayor-mandated pandemic-related closure, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be back again on Sunday (May 17th). Hours remain 10 am-2 pm; the sole entrance is at California/Alaska, with the line (if necessary) stretching eastward on Alaska, but once you’re in the market, it’s no longer one-way shopping (that was dropped after the first week). Here’s the vendor list – check links for individual vendors to see who’s offering pre-orders/pre-payment.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open again this Sunday

(WSB photo from last Sunday)

Just announced by the city, which is currently granting permits on a week-by-week basis – the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be open again this Sunday, 10 am-2 pm on California SW between Alaska and Oregon. Find info on policies and vendors here; our coverage of last Sunday’s market – the first one in two months – is here.

PHOTOS: First West Seattle Farmers’ Market in two months

11:07 AM: That’s the view on the western approach to the entrance of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, open – in a highly modified format – until 2 pm, first one in almost two months. The entrance is at California/Alaska, and the booths line the usual block north to Oregon from there.

Be sure to wear your mask – both sellers and shoppers have their faces covered. The booths are lining each side of the street, plenty of space to walk inbetween.

We were there less than half an hour ago; the nearest Junction parking lots still had many spaces – very different from a pre-pandemic market day. (One thing we didn’t see – the line, which commenter Elton advises to approach from the east side, via 42nd.)

Before you go, be sure to read about the modifications and policies (here’s the original reopening announcement we published last Wednesday).

Here’s the list of vendors. No prepared food for consumption on site – this is very no-nonsense, get what you came for, keep moving, exit at California/Oregon. A little humor seen along the way at one booth:

March 8th was the last WSFM before today; days later, Mayor Durkan ordered the markets closed as “permitted events” even though days after that, Gov. Inslee’s stay-home order labeled them “essential.” Many discussions with the city followed; two weeks ago, permission was granted for the U-District and Ballard markets to open, and then today, West Seattle.

11:53 AM: Just went back for a drive-by check of the line; see photo above – it stretches, distanced, along SW Alaska, ending just short of 42nd.

REOPENING: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, this Sunday, with new rules

(Photo by Sarah Schu, Neighborhood Farmers Markets, from recent U-District market)

For the first time since March 8th, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will reopen this Sunday – in a modified format, as has been the case with the University District market these past two weekends. Hre’s the announcement we just received:

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets has worked closely with the City of Seattle and Seattle-King County Public Health and other stakeholders and partners in each neighborhood to re-open safe, permitted farmers markets. The West Seattle Farmers Market will re-open on Sunday, May 3, and they are asking West Seattle residents to observe new rules.

Agriculture is the most essential act, and the farmers markets serve as the essential link between farmers and eaters. This weekend, we need you to help protect public health and our community by following new guidelines.

· Please consider taking the Farmers Market Shopper Oath.

· Sign up for the Ripe & Ready Newsletter, which will announce the list of May 3 vendors accepting pre-orders.

Market Modifications Include:

· Modified layouts to ensure 10’ between vendor booths to allow for greater circulation and distance.

· Market entrance at Alaska & California to control the capacity and foot traffic. You can expect a line to enter the market.

· Hand sanitizer will be provided at Market Manager tents, with public hand washing stations available in the market.

· There is no sampling or prepared food until further notice.

· No music, entertainment, cooking demos, or public seating areas.

Staff and Vendor Responsibilities:

All vendors and staff must wear protective facemask and gloves, separate cash and product handling, and ensure regular and proper handwashing.
All vendors will select and serve your produce and products.
Vendors and staff will politely ask you to keep moving so we can serve as many shoppers as possible.
Vendors and Staff will limit the number of shoppers in front of booths at any given time.
Surfaces and ‘high touch’ items such as tables, POS terminals, cash boxes, etc. will be sanitized regularly.
Market staff will be dedicated to conduct regular and ongoing checks for handwashing stations, proper bleach solutions, and sanitizing supplies in addition to our regular food safety controls.

Shopper Expectations:

Before the market:

Make a list.
Designate one shopper per household.
Service dogs are permitted otherwise leave your pets at home.
Bring reusable bags – these are permitted, but you will be the only person touching them.
Check yourself – stay home if you are sick or if you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick.

During your market visit:

Be alert! The market has major modifications and there are new signs to help you move through the market.
Do not touch the products, the vendors will help you.
Maintain 6 feet of space at all times. This is crucial! Look for physical cues like tape, chalk, and signs all around you as a reminder.
Shop quickly and efficiently. This isn’t the time to chat. Big smiles welcome!
Wash hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face in general.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of it.

It is vital that everyone act in these efforts together to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The safety and health of our shoppers, our farmers, and staff is critical – this is our primary concern. Please do not come out to the farmers market if you cannot observe the new guidelines.

The mayor ordered markets closed in mid-March, though the governor’s subsequent stay-home order decreed them “essential”; the market’s parent organization has been fighting for weeks to get permission to reopen with major modifications. It got clearance to open the U-District market the past two Saturdays.

FOLLOWUP: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market again tomorrow after all

That stretch of California SW in The Junction will be open to traffic, instead of closed for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, again tomorrow, for the fifth consecutive Sunday. When the mayor announced this past week that her recent orders would be extended to concur with the new May 4th end date of the governor’s stay-home order, the news release specifically noted that her decision included “Suspension of City-permitted events, with the exception of farmers markets which will continue to be for a potential re-opening.” The governor’s order calls farmers’ markets “essential.” But the nonprofit that runs the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and others says it will NOT be reopening tomorrow despite a short-lived belief it would be allowed to. Here’s what they told their email subscribers today:

We were sure that markets would reopen this weekend. We held off on announcing it, but if you spoke to me privately, I would have told you to make a list and gather your tote bags. However, yesterday (Friday) at 11:30 am, we received a call from the Mayor’s Office saying they could not approve the re-opening of markets this weekend. That came after receiving direct and unilateral communication from Public Health, Office of Sustainability and Environment, and the Office of Economic Development that the markets would indeed be operating this weekend. We had already told the farmers. We had already trained them on the new operating procedures and standards for each market. We were ready to give farmers their main source of income back.

We were ready to run safe and successful food access points for the City of Seattle. This is our job and our staff and vendors are really damn good at it.

Why the reported turnabout? We haven’t heard from the mayor’s office and won’t be able to ask them until Monday. Market managers told us last week they had been planning to operate the market in an “extremely modified” format.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Farmers’ Market hoping to reopen in ‘extremely modified’ format

Last week, we published reader photos of West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendors who had set up tents for pre-order pickups in what looked like an unofficial mini-market of sorts. Today, we went through The Junction at noon to see if there was a rerun; there wasn’t – the only sign we saw of vendors was one truck parked on the east side of California, one van on the west, no tents/booths. Tonight, we have an update from Jennifer Antos, executive director of Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets, the nonprofit that runs WSFM and others:

Dear West Seattle Blog Community,

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets recently shared a Community Update intended to clarify that farms, food, and farmers markets have been deemed an “essential business” by Governor Inslee, and what we are doing to modify our operating plans as we work in partnership with Seattle King County Public Health and the City of Seattle to re-open the markets.

Prior to the mandated closure of the farmers markets by the City of Seattle on March 13, we had modified our operations and will continue to act to ensure the safest access to fresh, nutritious food from local producers. While the closure of the markets has afforded us a chance to revise our operations for everyone’s safety, it is important to note that the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, farmers markets across Washington State, and agricultural producers are designated as an “essential business.” A full list of essential businesses including farmers and farmers markets is located here. Direct-to-consumer farmers are no exception, and while the markets are suspended, all have pivoted to conduct business while adhering to public health mandates, city, and statewide orders.

While farmers markets are often social spaces, it is important not to confuse this as the primary purpose. Our commitment is to farm and food-only markets that support Washington’s small family farms, food access for all, and the direct connection between people and their food. In 2019, farmers markets across Seattle processed over half a million dollars in SNAP/EBT and Fresh Bucks, donated thousands of pounds of food to local food banks like the West Seattle Food Bank, and enabled fresh food purchases subsidized by WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

We are in constant communication with the City and Public Health to create plans that ensure strict distancing, sanitation, and health measures are the premise. Though we do not yet have a date for when the markets will re-open, we are actively communicating these measures so that everyone is prepared for the markets to re-open – shoppers, vendors, and our community. It is important that shoppers know farmers markets will be extremely modified upon re-opening. We will be banning the public from touching produce, encouraging pre-paid orders, requiring gloved staff select and bag product, increasing distance between vendor booths, and providing demarcation for shoppers to increase social distancing. We are exploring a possible expansion of market footprints and/or limitation of the number of shoppers at any one time, which may be different at each market site. A summary of measures can be found in the Community Update here.

Speaking on behalf of all NFM farmers, producers, and staff, we appreciate of the enormous amount of support we’ve received in our work to re-open farmers markets. We submitted the public letter of support to our partners with over 1,500 signatures and remain as committed as ever in our mission to strengthen Washington’s small farms as we feed Seattle. This month, we will launch a fundraising campaign to support farmers affected by the market closures and hope to exceed our goal of $250,000. Those interested in donating can do so here.

And if anyone is seeking to order products or food directly from the farmers who typically attend the West Seattle Farmers Market, you can find a list of options on our homepage.

Today was the fourth marketless Sunday since the last one (March 8th) before the mayor’s order.

Are Farmers’ Markets ‘essential’? New campaign asks mayor to change her mind, while vendors try other ways to sell

(WSB photo, March 8th)

That photo is from March 8th, the last West Seattle Farmers’ Market before markets were shut down by order of Mayor Jenny Durkan, who grouped them with other “permtted events.” Today is the second Sunday without a WSFM; the order affected others around the city too. Market managers have launched a letter-signing campaign to get the mayor to change her mind. They’re asking for signatures. The letter begins:

To Mayor Durkan & City of Seattle Partners,

It is our firm conviction that farmers markets are an essential part of Seattle’s food supply and that they should remain open, along with grocery stores, during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are gravely concerned about the abrupt closure of farmers markets at a time when food supply chains and our economy are under threat.

The truth is, if we cannot support and strengthen our region’s farmers during this crisis, that many small farms will not recover from the market closures and that our local food supply and regional network of farmland will be forever changed. Moreover, farmers markets serve shoppers who rely on using their SNAP and SNAP-incentive benefits like Fresh Bucks to purchase fresh food. For those who have already withdrawn benefits at the markets, they cannot now use them at grocery stores.

We are calling on City of Seattle leaders in local government to:

1) Designate farmers markets as an essential business and exempt them from the blanket suspension of permitted events;

2) Work with market management organizations to approve operating plans that support public health orders and CDC guidance on distancing, sanitation, and employee health, and;

3) Commit to closing the policy loophole that lumps farmers markets in the City of Seattle with events, festivals, and other street-use events.

We urge leaders in Seattle to take the actions above, and ultimately to ensure that Washington’s small family farms can continue to provide a vital service in feeding the community during a time of increased need.

The letter goes on to mention other areas of the country in which farmers’ markets are designated as “essential” businesses – you can see for yourself in San Francisco’s shelter-in-place order, for example. The letter also notes that the markets also have not been part of any of our governor’s orders, just the city. If you are interested in signing, go here and scroll to the bottom.

Meantime, market managers have compiled a long list of vendors and how to get their wares while the markets remain closed, some with pickups and pop-ups in West Seattle – see it here.

UPDATE: West Seattle Farmers’ Market announces closure

(WSB photo, 3/8/20 West Seattle Farmers’ Market)

ORIGINAL 2:42 PM REPORT: Just in from the nonprofit that manages the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and others, a cancellation notice but with word that they’re working on other ways to get fresh food to shoppers:

For 26 years, the Neighborhood Farmers Market has provided the link between hundreds of Washington farmers and food producers and you, our neighborhood shoppers. And that is what we will continue to do as we explore safe options to connect you with local food.

Yesterday evening, the Mayor’s Office notified us that all neighborhood farmers markets in the City of Seattle will be suspended through April 13 in an imperative attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are complying, and with support from the city and our stakeholders it is our goal to welcome you all safely back into the markets as soon as possible.

I want to assure you that our staff, board, and community partners are working around the clock to ensure the Neighborhood Farmers Markets leads an effort to find creative solutions during this time – especially our farmers, food producers, and shoppers who rely on the markets and programs like Fresh Bucks for access to healthy food.

You can do two things to help local growers:

First, if you are interested in deliveries or pick-ups at neighborhood drop points from our over 200 market farmers and vendors, we want to know! As we explore all options to support our local farms and feed the community, you are an essential part of the solution. Fill out the interest form here.

Second, please donate to the Good Farmer Fund. Since 2008, this fund has provided over $250,000 in relief to small farms, who operate on slim margins and face high degrees of uncertainty even during the best of times. We need to replenish the fund and explore alternate funding in order to keep these small businesses in business during this time. Donate today.

In the coming weeks, we will be in regular touch to keep you informed about how COVID-19 is impacting our markets, organization, neighborhood food supply, and the farmers and food producers who make up a thriving local food economy that is now under threat. Our goal is to ensure that farmers markets and vendors survive this unforeseen disruption in their businesses and are able to continue to bring healthy food and vitality into Seattle neighborhoods.

There is work to do, and in the spirit of community, our interconnectedness, and feeding neighbors during good times and bad, you are all needed.

The timeframe means there won’t be another WS Farmers’ Market before Sunday, April 19th.
3:37 PM: Another email from Farmers’ Market management: “Please stay tuned for a corrected announcement from our organization later today. We regret the mixed messages during a confusing time, and are working internally and with our stakeholders to get you an update as quickly as possible.” We’ll update when we get it.

5:11 PM: Still waiting for the Farmers’ Market update, but the mayor’s office has just announced that her order suspending events such as these markets takes effect Monday, so we’re waiting to hear if that means one last market on Sunday or not.

7:51 PM: The Farmers’ Market management’s updated announcement says the market is suspended immediately, so NO market Sunday or subsequent Sundays until at least April 19th.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Farmers’ Market turnout

As previewed here, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market went ahead as scheduled today. We checked with market management on site; they told us they had 46 vendors, down three from usual. As of noon, their anecdotal take on foot traffic was typical for a cold day in late winter. The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is one of four in the city this time of year; the others are Capitol Hill, Ballard, and the U-District.