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Massachusetts

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Description of Program and Relief

Farmers Market, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture – Enabling Access to Local Fruits and Vegetables and Reducing Exposure of Public and Employees to COVID-19

Farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) are deemed essential and will remain open, and their employees are deemed essential workers. To reduce the exposure of shoppers and employees to COVID-19, managers, staff, and/or vendors must:

  • cordon off perimeters and monitor and set up lines outside of entry points so that customers maintain social distancing;

  • allow no more than 25 customers per 1,000 square feet into the space at any one time;

  • remind customers to maintain a space of at least six feet from one another and employ signage, floor/ground marks and cones to direct customers to spacing requirements;

  • post signs to remind staff and customers that they should not visit if sick;

  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, surfaces and displays at the end of every market;

  • avoid using tablecloths;

  • promote transactions that minimize public interaction and the time customers spend at vendor tables;

  • minimize the handling of produce and products by both staff and customers; and

  • use face coverings except for individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.

Additionally, farmers markets may not offer product samples.

Government or Lead Agency

Department of Public Health

Dates Available

Not applicable

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Not applicable

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

Not applicable

Contact for More Information

Not applicable

List of Additional Information

For specific details, the applicable orders of the Commissioner of Public Health may be accessed here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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