KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Customers will soon be able to pick up produce and other goods while using a drive-thru service at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market.
The new service will be available each Saturday in May from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market’s 1204 Bank St. facility, with the drive-thru being available starting Saturday, May 2nd.
That date was the original opening day for the market, but concerns over COVID-19 prompted organizers to tentatively push the date back for in-person visits to Saturday, June 6th.
Under the new system, purchases can be ordered from the participating market vendors online or over the phone, with customers then being able to drive up and collect the items at the location.
Market officials said in a news release that the drive-thru system will be the only way for customers to make purchases until the entire facility opens back up for public visits. All pick-ups will be for pre-ordered items, so customers will not be able to add additional products to their orders while using the drive-thru service.
Patrons will be directed to drive their vehicle through the farmers market property along a one-way direction marked path, and remain inside as vendors prepare and deliver purchases to them.
Customers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can still make purchases but will be required to pre-order and then pay in person using a bridge card at the farmers market.
A full list of market vendors and more details on the drive-thru service can be found at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market website.
Operated by the People’s Food Co-op of Kalamazoo, the market says it may implement additional safety precautions and modify its layout after the June 6th opening to keep visitors safe from COVID-19.
