Hand sanitizers were also made available to shoppers in the market and they were encouraged to carry out cashless transactions. Another aspect of Carlisle’s 2020 Farmers Market is that shoppers had the choice of pre-ordering their products by contacting vendors before the event. The reopening of the market went along smoothly and successfully, and local producers were able to sell their fresh produce to customers without a significant health concern.
The 2020 lockdown posed a huge challenge to small businesses and dedicated farmers who are responsible for producing the fresh and high-quality products for the market. During the lockdown, Carlisle Farmers Market facilitated deliveries locally to cater to those individuals and families who for one reason or another could not go to the supermarkets. The public showed a lot of generous support during the lockdown. When the restrictions started to ease up, Carlisle Farmers Market was delighted to welcome back their loyal patrons to the marketplace. Carlisle Farmers Market implemented various systems to ensure that everyone at the market was safe. Over a 2 week period during the crisis, Carlisle Farmers Market put in place an online order and delivery system that was very useful. The pandemic highlighted some key areas that need improvement such as delivery networks. However, things slowly began to return back to normal with the easing of restrictions, and farmers and small businesses were delighted to return to the market and offer their splendid food produce to locals, thus boosting food security in the region during a period of high economic uncertainty.
Luckily things are getting better in America and around the world. Although it will be a while before the economy is anywhere near normal, there is much to be grateful for. Hopefully, the Summer and Fall of 2021 will be better than that of 2020. Through the various systems adapted during the difficult times presented by the COVID19 pandemic, Carlisle Farmers Market has proved that it is responsive to the needs of the local people, both the sellers and the traders. As the lockdown set in, the Market found a way to get the fresh goods from the producers to the consumers. When the restrictions eased down, Carlisle Farmers Market welcomed its patrons with open arms and established various mechanisms to ensure that traders and shoppers went about their business without significant health concerns. Although business at the Carlisle Farmers Market in 2020 has not been like anything witnessed before, it was quite commendable given the situation. The quick response of the market has ensured local shoppers get essential food products and local farmers an opportunity to earn their livelihood. As things begin to smoothen up, we should expect that next summer traders and shoppers will be able to interact freely like they do in normal circumstances. One thing remains fairly certain, Carlisle Farmers Market will adapt itself to whatever opportunity presents itself, and will continue to serve the people of Carlisle.