Marlboro Farmers' Market Opens Under CDC Guidelines

MARLBORO, NJ – The Marlboro Farmers’ Market opened its doors this Sunday, allowing local farmers to sell fresh produce directly to the community for the second year in a row. Attendees and vendors will be required to wear face masks at the outdoor event, which will be held weekly from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

The market, which is located at 444 Route 520 at the intersection of Rts. 79 and 520, will continue throughout the season while following state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, said Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik in an email released on Saturday, June 6.

The guidelines were created to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The number of cases rose to 164,164 in New Jersey on Mondayu, and 12,176 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

“As a community, Marlboro has stayed at home and flattened the curve and I know it has not always been easy,” said Hornik. “In order to ensure the safety of vendors, shoppers and the most vulnerable among us, the market will follow guidelines as recommended by the state and the CDC.”

In accordance with the safety measures, no pets will be allowed at the event. Shoppers will also be expected to line up six feet apart while entering the market and refrain from taking samples of produce. Parking will be located behind the vendor space, with handicapped parking available at street level.

“Vendors are required to wear face coverings and gloves, sanitize frequently and will only assist one customer at a time,” Hornik said, adding that all products will only be handled by vendors and that self-service checkout will be unavailable. “We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you follow the instructions of the Police Officers and Police Explorers.”

New sustainability practices also debuted at Sunday’s market, with official Marlboro Farmers’ Market reusable tote bags offered to shoppers. Throughout the season, families can bring plastic bags to the market to be recycled, including grocery bags, newspaper sleeves and dry cleaning bags that are otherwise not permitted for curbside recycling.

To learn more about the Marlboro Farmers’ Market, you can click here to visit the official market website.