Farmers Markets that wish to stay open in the District must now request a waiver.

Jean & Oliver / Flickr

On Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a new order that removed farmers markets from the list of “essential businesses” allowed to operate during the coronavirus outbreak in D.C. The markets now have to apply for a waiver to the rule, outlining a plan to keep their customers safe amid the ongoing crisis.

The new rules for markets—which they must adhere to if they want to be issued a waiver—include a limit on the number of customers allowed to enter at any one time, a prohibition on pets, “grab and go” purchasing that includes pre-bagged items at fixed prices, and eliminating all food preparation at the market site itself. Markets must also implement a telephone or online ordering system; the city’s coronavirus website encourages shoppers to order ahead to limit crowding.

The mayor’s order shutting down farmers markets and fish markets came after crowds of people were photographed buying food and milling about at The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf. The city shut the fish market down after the pictures began circulating on social media. It has reopened with strict security measures in place.

In Maryland, meanwhile, farmers markets remain open with social distancing guidelines. In Virginia, they’re under the same sort of order as restaurants: closed except for carryout service.

Two days since Mayor Bowser’s order, D.C. has announced its preliminary list of open farmers markets in the city. You can always find an updated list here.

Friday

  • Arcadia Mobile Market at Oxon Run Market has been granted a waiver to operate Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Saturday

  • Arcadia Mobile Market at Deanwood Recreation Center has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday between 10 am and noon.
  • Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette Elementary School Courtyard has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday between 9 am and 1 pm
  • Farmers Market SW at 425 M Street SW has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm
  • FRESHFARM Monroe Street Farmers Market at the Brookland Arts Walk has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday 9 am and 1 pm.
  • Maret Farmers Market at 3000 Cathedral St. NW has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • FRESHFARM H ST NE MARKET at 13 and H Streets NE has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm
  • Mt Pleasant Farmers Market at 17th St NW and Lamont St NW has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm
  • FRESHFARM Columbia Heights Farmers Market has been granted a waiver to operate on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm

Sunday

  • FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Farmers Market at 1501 20th St NW has been granted a waiver to operate on Sunday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
  • Palisades Farmers Market at 48th Place and MacArthur Boulevard NW has been granted a waiver to operate on Sunday between 9 am and 1 pm