WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The West Lafayette Farmer's Market is returning on Wednesday, May 6 - with new restrictions due to the pandemic. It's located at 3065 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, and hours are 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Tippecanoe County Health Department is limiting the types of vendors that can participate. Only whole food vendors will be allowed to sell products at the first few markets. This includes foods like whole fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, dairy products, and pet food.
Food trucks, bakeries, and craft vendors are not allowed to participate at this time. The city is working to follow social distancing guidelines by limiting the number of sellers to just the essentials.
"We kind of strive for it to be a community gathering spot, and it is sad that right now we can't have it be that way but we are really glad that we can provide fresh and local food for people," said Julia Zuchkov, West Lafayette Economic Development Administrative Aide.
She said the city wants the market to operate as safely as possible in the time being.
"No samples are allowed to be given at the market, and we'll be asking that people maintain social-distancing, six-feet apart from other customers and the vendors. We'll be asking that everybody point to the products that they want and let the vendor hand them to you instead of touching things," said Zuchkov. "It's more so a place to go and pick up your groceries as opposed to a place where you go and hang out and eat dinner and walk around and socialize."
These restrictions are set to last until Jun. 3, the city will reevaluate the restrictions when that time comes.
West Lafayette will also continue its free bus service for SNAP recipients. SNAP recipients can show City Bus drivers their SNAP card on days the farmer's market is operating and they will get a free ride to the market.
The city is also continuing it's "Double-Up" program at the farmer's market. For those using SNAP funds, you will get double the amount to spend on fresh and local food products.
