As a service to our customers and hard-working vendors, we are excited to present a brand new ONLINE ORDERING AND PICKUP/DELIVERY system at Rochester Farmers Markets!
For over 35 years, the Rochester Farmers Market Association has been a key resource for southeastern Minnesota communities, connecting our region’s hard-working growers with hungry families and making fresh, healthy, local products easily accessible. Over that time, we have been through flooding, tornadoes, economic swings and market moves together, but until now, we have not faced a challenge like the current COVID-19 Coronavirus situation.
We recognize that farmers markets are not just pretty, social events, they are an integral part of our local food system and economy. We are committed to retaining shopper confidence by practicing the best sanitation possible and reliably meeting the needs of our customers. Indoor markets are currently scheduled for March 21, April 4, and April 18 from 9:00-12:00 at Graham Park (35 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester, MN).
We are also committed to helping to keep our community safe. If we are instructed to close by a local health authority due to concerns about the Coronavirus, we will comply. If that should happen, we will try to let you know as soon as possible. We will also be posting any changes to market schedules on Facebook and our website.
During this trying time, we are actively working on creative options to meet our customers’ needs and support our vendors’ businesses. We are excited to present a brand new ONLINE ORDERING AND PICK UP/DELIVERY system! Buying products online from the market means that customers will know exactly where their food is coming from. With fewer hands used to handle the product between farm and table, customers can have greater confidence that the food is safe. We also cannot overemphasize the importance of eating healthy, nutrient-dense food and feeling connected as a community to maintaining good health. Supporting our growers during this pandemic may also be critical to help them purchase basic resources and keep farms running. (Toilet paper bartering system may be coming soon … 😊)
As far as we know, Rochester Farmers Market is the first market in Minnesota to roll out an online option for retail customers. Our growers and producers have been actively adding products to the store over the past few days, and we anticipate more will come online as we develop the platform. We are supported by Specialty Crop Block Grant funds and aggregation expertise as part of the statewide Farmers Market Food Hub project, and Rochester Farmers Markets is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
A few of our vendors offer their own online ordering and delivery services, see HERE for links.
Instructions on how to participate with Rochester Farmers Markets' online service:
Our vendors have posted products here: https://www.localline.ca/rochester-farmers-markets
Order by Wednesday at 7:00 PM for the following Saturday’s market
Pick up between 10:00-12:00 on market Saturdays (March 21, April 4, April 18) at Graham Park. (35 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904)
Select delivery for purchases over $20 to have product delivered between 12:00-4:00 on market Saturdays (March 21, April 4, April 18).
Pay online or in person at the market.
We are exploring other pickup and delivery options, which would likely require additional volunteer support. Thank you for your continuous support for the market and local foods! ♥️
How to order online from Rochester Farmers Markets in three easy steps:
1. Go to our online store: https://www.localline.ca/rochester-farmers-markets. Browse and add product to your cart and click “Checkout”.
2. Create an account to place an order.
3. Place your order. You will receive a confirmation email and our suppliers will start preparing your order for market Saturdays pickup between 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM or delivery between 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. You may pay online via Stripe by selecting your order, clicking “View” and clicking “Pay Now.” Otherwise please bring a credit card or check to market. Please email rochfarmmkt@gmail.com or call 507-273-8232 with any questions. Thank you for your patience as we pilot this new program!
