After working closely with Seattle King County Public Health, and in light of our region's upgrade to Phase 2, prepared food vendors are now allowed to cook and sell hot meals at farmers markets in King County!

We're not out of the woods yet. Markets are still operating under pandemic restrictions, so in order to ensure that prepared food vendors and the dishes we love are here to stay, we need your cooperation. Help us help them help you by following these guidelines:

1. Keep it moving, enjoy your food when you leave!

We are still operating under a capacity limit, shoppers are prohibited from eating or drinking inside the farmers market footprint. Kindly bring your snacks and drinks home or to a nearby park to consume responsibly, at least six feet apart from others.

2. Make a game plan and communicate!

Shoppers are not allowed to congregate in front of booths to wait for orders. When you arrive at market, check-in with your favorite prepared food vendor first thing. If it looks like your meal will take more than five minutes to make, do a lap, take care of your grocery shopping, then pick up your food on your way out. Each vendor will have their own method of managing wait times that best suits their business.

3. Mask up!

You all are pros at this by now, but please make sure your nose and mouth are covered. All humans are still required to mask up while inside the farmers market, (another reason eating or drinking inside the markets is prohibited).

We know this isn't a total return to normal, but we and our vendors are so excited about this big step forward. By following the guidelines above, designated by Seattle King County Public Health, you'll help ensure the markets don't take big steps back.