In these uncertain times, CUESA is here for you. With increasing concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Bay Area, we take your health and safety very seriously. We will keep our farmers markets open unless otherwise directed by officials, and we encourage everyone to stay healthy, stock up on fresh food and pantry items, and support your local farmers. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to keep our immune systems strong when we need it most.
It is our firm conviction that farmers markets are essential to community food security, and that shopping for food in farmers markets continues to be a safe activity. Like grocery stores and other food retail outlets, farmers markets serve an essential function as a vital source of fresh fruits and vegetables and food staples for our community. Compared to most grocery stores, farmers market produce has a much shorter supply chain and minimal handling from field to market, and the outdoor, open-air setting of farmers markets offers optimal ventilation and sunlight for shopping in an unconfined space. Farmers markets provide direct access to healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting the livelihoods of local farmers, food makers, and chefs.
We are proud to serve our Bay Area community this important service, and we are monitoring the situation and health advisories closely. We plan to keep our markets open as an essential source of fresh food, but if at any point we are ordered by a public official to close a farmers market, we will comply and notify our market community.
Click through to read about precautionary measures we're taking for your health and safety, including popup handwashing stations and suspending food sampling at the farmers market.