(AFF) — Alabama farmers who sell directly to consumers, schools and restaurants are finding innovative ways to move products while following social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Numerous Sweet Grown Alabama member farmers are utilizing social media and websites so consumers can place online orders. Farmers have also added delivery service and drive-thru pick-up options.
“These are certainly trying times. Not only are we concerned for everyone’s health; we’re also concerned for our farmers who are working hard to provide necessary products,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “The mandated closings of schools and restaurant dining rooms is absolutely necessary, but it also impacts typical sales for our farmers. We want individual consumers to know there are still options for buying from local farms while following all the CDC’s recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“We’ve supplied our Sweet Grown Alabama members with best practices for welcoming customers to their farms during this time,” Watson continued. “We encourage farm visitors to be proactive as well. Call the farm to schedule a visit or place an order, bring hand sanitizer and, if you have to get out of your car, keep the suggested six-foot distance between you and another person.”
Click here for a list of Sweet Grown Alabama members who currently have produce, meat or other farm products available to sell. This list will be updated frequently.
Sweet Grown Alabama is a non-profit organization that enhances marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers by connecting retailers and consumers to Alabama-grown foods and other agricultural products. Farmers, product makers, restaurants, retailers and others are encouraged to join the branding program and use the Sweet Grown Alabama logo on their locally grown products. To learn more visit www.SweetGrownAlabama.org.
Source: Alabama Farmers Federation