Berkeley Farmers Markets Still On, With Coronavirus Precautions

Update: South Seaside Park's first scheduled farmers market is now set for June 1. The State advised Berkeley to delay its opening from May 22.

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township plans to reopen both farmers markets in the coming weeks. But things will be a little different this year because of the new coronavirus.

The Township expects all visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing. Berkeley officials are working to determine other safety measures.

"We will be following social distancing as per State guidelines set forth by the governor," Director of Recreation Mark Dykoff told Patch. "Exact details will be determined as the date draws closer."

Berkeley operates two farmers markets. The Bayville market runs at the Recreation Center lot at 630 Atlantic City Blvd. It will open every Tuesday from May 26 to Oct. 27.

The Township created a second farmers market last year at South Seaside Park, just before the entrance to Island Beach State Park (2401 Central Ave.).

The South Seaside Park market is set to operate every Monday and Friday from June 1 to Sept. 18. The opening may get delayed until June because its opening is subject to state approval, Dykoff said. The State advised Berkeley to delay its opening date, which was set for May 22.

Interested vendors should contact Dykoff or Felicia Fraulo at 732-269-4456 or visit www.BTREC.org for more information.

Officials across the county have handled farmers markets differently during the coronavirus crisis.

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Farmers Markets and Coronavirus

Seattle's farmers markets stayed closed even as Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared them essential businesses, according to the Seattle Times. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti prohibited farmers markets and then allowed several to reopen days later under social-distancing plans, according to CBS Los Angeles.

Farmers markets hold several advantages during the coronavirus pandemic, health experts told WHYY.

“There are benefits to visiting a farmers market in light of coronavirus in terms of the fact that you’re outside, there’s fresh air moving and the supply chain is shorter,” Yvonne Michael, an epidemiologist at Drexel University School of Public Health, told WHYY.

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