Our Response to COVID-19

 

Despite the serious threat of COVID-19, support from donors and the community has allowed the farm to continue operating during these challenging times. It is during times like these that we remember the importance of our community and how growing food is an act of resiliency. We thank you deeply for your support of Transplanting Traditions farmers.

As we enter the 2022 season and continue selling our produce through our CSA and at local farmers markets, we want to reassure you that Transplanting Traditions is doing everything possible to maintain the health and safety of the farmers, our customers, and our community at large. Though we have limited capacity, we are doing our best to respond quickly and effectively to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.

We have a preparedness plan in place and are taking steps on a daily basis to ensure that we can continue to provide safe, fresh produce to our CSA members and the local community. It is important to note that according to the FDA and the CDC there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food or food surfaces. Read this insightful article for further discussion of the unlikelihood of food as a vector. Our highest priority is the safety of our customers and farmers.

Key Steps TTCF Staff and Farmers are taking:

• Continuing to utilize the utmost in food safety practices with minimal handling of produce before consumers receive it.
• Regularly disinfecting all high touch surfaces and sanitizing food-contact surfaces using approved CDC methods.
• Continuing to practice frequent hand-washing according to CDC guidelines.
• Practicing on-farm six-foot social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC.
• Holding meetings outdoors whenever possible and using social distancing guidelines. Indoor meetings are permitted but masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines must be followed.
• 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.
• Restricting farmers, staff, family members and CSA members from the farm in the case of COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or testing positive for COVID-19.      
• Following clear communication plans requiring immediate reporting of any illness or COVID related situations to limit exposure. 
• Following CSA Pick-up Protocol at all of our CSA box pick-up locations to ensure safety of customers and our volunteers.
• Adhering to all policies as recommended and/or required when selling produce at farmers markets and offering online pre-ordering for market customers. 
• Remaining up-to-date on the local and national COVID-19 situation and the CDC recommendations to prevent exposure and spreading of the virus.

 

Please read our COVID-19 CSA and Farmers Market Policies and Procedures for a more detailed outline of our protocol pertaining to our CSA production and farmers market sales. Also visit our online store to pre-order for farmers markets!

 

We wish our customers and everyone in our surrounding community good health and peace during these uncertain times.