COVID-19 CSA and Farmers Market Policies and Procedures
** UPDATED 1/28/22 **
Despite the complexity of grappling with a global pandemic as a small farm, we are filled with gratitude toward our CSA members and all of our supporters in the community. Thank you for recognizing the value of local, sustainably grown produce and for supporting TTCF refugee farmers.
What makes Community Supported Agriculture so meaningful is that our members commit to supporting the farm through all of the abundance as well as any setbacks a farming season may bring. As a CSA member, you are part of the TTCF family and this is your farm. We could not exist without your commitment and support and we are deeply thankful.
We want to emphasize our commitment to protecting your health and safety as well as that of our farmers and our community at large. Below are more specific policies we are and will continue to follow to ensure we do everything within our power to honor that commitment.
GENERAL ON-FARM PROTOCOL
- According to the FDA and the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread via food.
- In order to prevent any possible spread amongst farmers and staff, staff will regularly reinforce TTCF’S standard operating procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and drying any food contact surfaces, food handling equipment, bins, and tools.
- We’re also doing the following:
- Holding meetings outdoors whenever possible.
- Outside of planned events and tours, limiting outside visitors to the farm to essential farm workers, TTCF staff, their guests, and active CSA members. CSA members are required to adhere to the TTCF Visitor Guidelines.
PROTOCOL IN CASE OF STAFF OR FARMER COVID-19 RELATED ILLNESS
- If a staff member or farmer develops any symptoms of COVID (sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fever, fatigue, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea) they should contact TTCF Farm Managers or the Executive Director. The Farm Managers or Executive Director will document the conversation and alert other staff members and farmers.
- The sick person should quarantine and can come back to the farm after they meet ONE of the following 3 criteria (day 0 is considered the first day they showed symptoms):
- They receive a negative PCR test that verifies they do not have COVID.
- 10 days have passed since their symptoms began and symptoms have resolved.
- 5 days have passed since symptoms began and they can produce 1 negative at home (rapid or PCR) test. They may return to the farm but should be taking extra precautions (wearing a tightly fitted N-95 mask at all times, 6’ distancing, avoiding indoor spaces) and assume they could be contagious until at least 10 days after their symptoms began.
- In addition, anyone in the sick person’s household should quarantine and cannot come to the farm until the following is met (day 0 is considered the first day of exposure):
- They receive a negative PCR test administered at least 3 days after the exposure to the symptomatic person in their household. They can come to the farm but should be taking extra precautions (wearing a tightly fitted N-95 mask when they are within a wash/pack area or interacting with farmers/staff outside their household, 6’ distancing, avoiding indoor spaces) and continue to monitor their symptoms until at least 10 days after their exposure to the sick person.
- If they receive a positive COVID test but are asymptomatic, they can come back to the farm if they meet one of the following two criteria (day 0 is considered the day they received the positive test):
- 10 days have passed since they received a positive test and no symptoms have developed
- 5 days have passed since they tested positive and they can produce 1 negative at home (rapid or PCR) test. They may return to the farm but should be taking extra precautions (wearing a tightly fitted N-95 mask at all times, 6’ distancing, avoiding indoor spaces) and assume they could be contagious until at least 10 days after they received the positive test.
GENERAL CSA PICK-UP SITE PROTOCOL
- Members must not come to pick-up their share if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If a CSA member tests positive for COVID-19, we request that they do not return to pick-ups until they meet one of the following criteria (day 0 is considered the day they received the positive test):
- 10 days have passed since symptoms began and symptoms have resolved.
- At least 5 days have passed since symptoms began and they have received 1 negative at home (rapid or PCR) test.
- Delivery is available to members who cannot come to pick-up their CSA due to COVID-19. Email us to schedule a delivery, and please note that it may take up to 48 hours to coordinate the delivery.
- We strongly recommend that members wear masks at all times while picking up their CSA share, but masks are not required..
- Members will maintain a 6-foot space between themselves and others at all times during pick up.
- Volunteers at staffed pick-up locations will be provided with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. They will find each member’s box and make it accessible to them, maintaining a 6-foot space between themselves and the members.
ON-FARM CSA PICK-UP SITE EXPECTATIONS
- CSA Members signed up for on farm pick-up must follow the above guidelines.
- Current CSA members and their family are permitted to walk around the farm. Members must adhere to the TTCF Visitor Guidelines.
- Members sending friends to pick up their share must clearly explain the pick-up process and expectations.
FARMERS MARKET PROTOCOL IN CASE OF MARKET FARMER ILLNESS
If you have further questions about this protocol, you may email the TTCF Farm Team at csa@transplantingtraditions.org Our email response times may be longer than usual due to COVID-19 and our limited capacity. We appreciate your patience.
