Our Response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Thank you for your patience and support as we react and adjust to a quickly evolving situation. If you have a question and do not see the answer below, send us an email so that we can address it. Thanks!
What are Footprint Farm's new food safety protocols?
We have held a CAPS food safety certification since 2017, and are following all of their updated guidelines which come from the Department of Public Health and the CDC. In practice, we are only allowing farm staff to enter our washing and packing facility. All farm staff must wash hands before entering any production spaces, when changing tasks, before and after eating, and after using the restroom. Produce is harvested and washed with gloves and masks, and all production surfaces, doorknobs, and restrooms are disinfected at the end of the day. Employees have been asked to practice social distancing and hand washing at home, and we are asking employees not to travel more than a couple hours from home while Shelter in Place restrictions are in place.
Has CSA pickup changed?
Yes. Our CSA shares are going to be boxed or bagged and delivered until further notice. We will bag and label each person's share, one of our farm owners will deliver the shares, and CSA members will pick up from designated locations, each with slightly different protocols. We have expanded our pickup locations to include smaller locations that are nearer to individual homes, and will include home delivery for those who need it.
Has farmers market changed?
Yes. We usually go to the Shelburne Farmers Market, which is closed for 2020. Some markets are still open but with strict safety guidelines. Look for guidelines on individual markets' websites.
Can I order your vegetables online, or get them from the farm?
We are not selling produce from our farm as we are trying to limit our public interaction right now. We are working on getting our online ordering and delivery platform up and running. If you are interested in updates, please join our email list.
How can I help?
We are taking this virus very seriously, so the best thing you can do is try your best to follow any protocols that have been set at your local farm stand, grocery store or CSA pickup. We are also asking people to stay out of grocery stores around the first of the month so that families on EBT or WIC can purchase their groceries while they have benefits (some benefits are only allowed to be used on particular foods/brands, and if they are sold out these families are out of luck). Lastly, support your local food system in whatever way works for you. Food banks and restaurants in particular are feeling the pinch right now. NOFA Vermont is collecting donations for farms affected by COVID.
