Coronavirus: Second Street Market to open with health precautions in place

DAYTON — Five Rivers MetroParks’s 2nd Street Market will reopen outdoors, on a smaller scale, May 30 so that the public may buy fresh produce, meat and dairy from local farmers.

>>Coronavirus: 2020 Montgomery County Fair is canceled

“The Market is one of only a few locations where people can shop for fresh food in the downtown area. With areas identified as food deserts just a short distance away, we have to take food equity and accessibility very seriously," 2nd Street Market Manager Lynda Suda said in a release.

The outdoor market can accommodate a limited number of vendors, and most will be set up on the south side of the building. One dairy and one meat vendor will be set up on the northwest side of the building.

Prepared food and artisan vendors have not yet reopened.

A limited number of people will be allowed inside the shopping area at a time, so shoppers may have to wait in line, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings while they do so.

Shoppers must enter at the east end of the Market’s south parking lot and exit at the west end. Signage and volunteers will help guide shoppers.

2nd Street Market asks that shoppers view an online Shoppers' Oath, which includes the following:

• Shoppers should stay home if they’re sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.
• Social distancing of at least six feet must be maintained at all times.
• Shoppers are asked to purchase their items and move along so that others may do the same, as well as to prepare a list to expedite shopping.
• Shoppers are asked to designate one person per household to visit the Market.
• Shoppers will not be allowed to touch products, but instead must ask vendors for what they’d like to buy.
• Shoppers cannot use their own bags.
• Dogs are not permitted other than service animals.
• Restrooms and water fountains are not available, and shoppers will not have access to the interior of the Market building.
• Shoppers should wear face masks that cover their mouth and nose. Exceptions will be made for those with health conditions.

A vendor will be located at the entrance selling face coverings.

>> Coronavirus: Additional outdoor seating will soon be a reality for Dayton restaurants

2nd Street Market will be open only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, until further notice. Shopping from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. is reserved for those with compromised immune systems and those 65 and older.

EBT, SNAP benefits and Produce Perks matching benefits will still be available to customers.

Those who would like to shop from local farmers but would prefer to do so online can access links to Market vendors’ websites and social media pages here.

© 2020 Cox Media Group