Long Branch's West End Farmers Market Returns In June

LONG BRANCH, NJ — The West End Farmers Market returns June 18 to Long Branch, with some modifications. The City says to follow social-distancing guidelines and that masks should be worn.

The farmers market features locally crafted food items such as produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, cheeses, salsas, soups and more. New seasonal items arrive each week.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday from June 18 to Oct. 1 in West End Park (corner of Brighton Avenue and Ocean).

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

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.

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"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.

Monmouth County officials have reported 425 coronavirus cases in Long Branch as of Friday morning.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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