Delivery service seen as great addition to Batavia Farmers Market

Several changes to the Batavia Farmers Market this year are proving popular with shoppers and vendors, alike.

One is a complimentary delivery service of preordered food items. That service is provided through Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, one of the market's presenting sponsors and part of the Gerald Auto Group.

"We are starting to see regulars," said Gerald Subaru's Donna Lawler. "We have a gentleman who goes by the 'apple pie a week' rule."

Gerald Subaru recruited volunteers and employees to provide the complimentary service out of concern for shoppers who may be leery to venture out even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased. In the early weeks of the market, Gerald Subaru averaged about 12 deliveries a week, Lawler said.

After making deliveries, drivers are also exploring the market looking for other ways to help, such as offering to deliver food home for people who purchased more than expected.

"At one point we drove a patron home because the heat had gotten to him," Lawler said.

The Batavia Farmers Market, now in its 25th season, is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through October on North River Street between Wilson and Spring streets.

When organizing the market this year, Gerald Subaru suggested the delivery service because extra precautions had to be taken as a result of the pandemic. Social distancing and the wearing masks are required. Prepared food has to be taken off-site or eaten at designated picnic areas.

"Because we were faced with some obvious challenges with the market due to COVID, we came up with this idea so that we could continue to support the community," Lawler said. "It's such an amazing opportunity to support our local farmers and merchants by facilitating a service that enables the community to move on with our 'new normal' in a very comfortable way."

Another change people like is an expanded area given to the market so people can spread out, said Beth Walker of Batavia MainStreet, the market's director and sponsorship coordinator. Organizers extended the market to a second block, from to State to Spring streets, while also adding part of the Larson Becker parking lot.

"It's been nice. A lot of people say they prefer the setup this way, because it doesn't get so congested," Walker said.

To arrange a delivery, preorder through the vendors; links are available at www.downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

For more information on The Batavia Farmers Market, visit downtownbatavia.com and follow Batavia Farmers Market on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BataviaFarmersMarket) and Instagram (#bataviafarmersmarket).