Renton Farmers Market is back June 9

The 19th season of the market will look a little different due to social distancing guidelines

May 28, 2020 1:30 am
Photo by Haley Ausbun A woman checks out jars of honey and jam at the Renton Farmers Market in 2018. This year social distancing guidelines are changing the look of the market.
Photo by Haley Ausbun A woman checks out jars of honey and jam at the Renton Farmers Market in 2018. This year social distancing guidelines are changing the look of the market.

UPDATE: Organizers report the Renton Farmers Market’s opening will be moved to 3 p.m. June 9.

Original story:

COVID-19 has altered the makeup and location of the Renton Farmers Market in 2020, but it is still the best place to find the freshest Washington-grown produce, flowers and other staples from favorite farmers, a tradition since 2002.

The 19th annual market will open at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 2 in Gateway Park— at South Third Street and Logan Avenue South in downtown Renton— just west of its usual location in Piazza Park. The market will continue every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 29. Free two-hour parking is available at the City Center Garage at 655 S Second St. The market is also adjacent to the Renton Transit Center for easy access from public transportation.

“We are fortunate to be opening Renton’s Farmers Market during these difficult times and I want to thank our volunteers and vendors who make our farmers market in Renton so spectacular,” Mayor Armondo Pavone stated in a press release.

In 2020, the market will operate as a quick in-and-out destination for essential food shopping.

Market organizers ask that residents consider sending only one shopper per household and bringing a shopping list. This will allow a maximum number of people to enjoy. Only service animals are allowed in the market.

The market will follow COVID-19 regulations established by Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC). There will be a separate entrance and exit so market staff can monitor the number of shoppers and ensure proper social distancing. Please follow the directions on all posted signage and maintain proper social distancing while in line.

Photo courtesy of city of Renton The layout of the Renton Farmers Market with social distancing guidelines in place for 2020. The market reopens at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

Photo courtesy of city of Renton The layout of the Renton Farmers Market with social distancing guidelines in place for 2020. The market reopens at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

Renton Farmer’s Market shared on Facebook that the regulations allow for two customers inside the market per booth, meaning with opening day’s 20 vendors, up to 40 customers will be able to be in the market at a time.

Shoppers will also be asked to wear face coverings to adhere to the PHSKC directive that took effect on May 18.

The successful Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) “SNAP Bucks” program will return this season. The market also offers a dollar-for-dollar match with the SNAP Market Match Bucks (formerly Fresh Bucks), which doubles buying power.

“The organizers of the Renton Farmers Market ask for the support and understanding of our community during these unique times. Please be patient and respectful to market staff, vendors and volunteers as COVID-19 protocols are followed. These steps are necessary to help ensure the market remains safe for everyone,” a press release from the city of Renton states.