Barnegat Farmers Market Returning With Coronavirus Precautions

BARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat Farmers Market will return next month, with some coronavirus precautions.

The market will take place every Thursday from June 18 through Oct. 29 with the following hours:

• 10-10:30 a.m.: seniors, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women
• 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: general public

Barnegat will also hold a new "Special Night Market" on July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 with the following hours:

• 2-2:30 p.m.: seniors, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women
• 2:30-7 p.m.: general public

The farmers market has several farmers and vendors lined up but is seeking vendors who do not sell produce. Call Jeanne 609-698-0080 ext. 122.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Officials across the county have handled farmers markets differently during the coronavirus crisis.

Seattle's farmers markets stayed closed even as Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared them essential businesses, according to the Seattle Times. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti prohibited farmers markets and then allowed several to reopen days later under social-distancing plans, according to CBS Los Angeles.

Farmers markets hold several advantages during the coronavirus pandemic, health experts told WHYY.

"There are benefits to visiting a farmers market in light of coronavirus in terms of the fact that you're outside, there's fresh air moving and the supply chain is shorter," Yvonne Michael, an epidemiologist at Drexel University School of Public Health, told WHYY.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.