This Thursday marks the beginning of the Essential Lodi Certified Farmers Market and our staff at the Chamber are excited to still provide such a service to our community. We know it's not the "same" as the traditional Thursday night market, but due to these uncertain times, it is within the new requirements so that we can host a Farmers Market. And in this message, I wanted to address what our attendees can expect from the new temporary "normal" is for the Lodi Certified Farmers Market.

WHAT: Essential Lodi Certified Farmers Market
WHEN: Thursdays beginning May 14 | 9AM - 1PM
WHERE: 267 N. Mills Ave., Lodi

Due to the CDFA regulations, in addition to social distancing between booth spaces, the Lodi Chamber staff must monitor and control all entry and exit points of the market, keep a count of how many people are inside the barriers, and have the "rules" posted to be seen. We know this is stringent, but it is the only way to avoid fines or having our event license revoked. Vendors will have two people manning their booths- one to assist with produce and goods, one to handle the payment transaction- to minimize cross contamination. We ask that you- our attendees- refrain from touching fruit or vegetables, but instead asking the grower to bag your items for you. There will be hand-washing stations available, as well as sanitizer and a vendor selling sewed masks, so that our community members can wash up in before entering and leaving the market. 

Vendors in attendance include 20+ farmers and growers, Cheese Central, Humus Heaven, Jars of Delicious, Loco Poke (serving açaí bowls and to go lunches), Costa's Finest Kettlecorn selling to-go meals, and many more. We also have partnered with Harrah's Northern California Casino to sponsor a few booths with employers looking for talent. We know this job market is rough, we know that so many people have lost their jobs or have severely reduced hours, but a few of our Chamber Members and local businesses are actually HIRING. This week, we have Harrah's Northern California Casino, Express Employment Professionals, and New York Life. If you are in the market for a new job or one that is full-time, please bring a resume and meet with these reps as they are looking to fill positions ASAP. 

We hope you join us this Thursday for the Essential Lodi Farmers Market.