Fresh and affordable food is essential during this corona virus pandemic and the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market is the ideal place to shop. Open air markets also permit for physical distancing and since you are buy directly from the producer, the food at a farmers market is touched by fewer hands than that you will find in the grocery store.

Supporting the local farmers market is essential for these vendors. Many have lost their regular sales to restaurants who have closed or reduced their customer capacity. For some, the market is their only source of cash flow during this time of uncertainty.

Gone are the days of meandering with a friend from booth to booth, or catching up with friends listening to live music and laughing over days gone by. Now, consumers of the farmers market are coming to shop, buy what they need, and go on about their day. Even though the visits are much shorter, the customer knows in advance what they are shopping for. They get in and get out, but the people coming are buying and supporting these wonderful vendors.

Florida’s friendliest farmers market is open every Saturday in historic Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island. Located amid the Victorian architecture of yesteryear, you will find nearly 30 booths of seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, and other delightful edibles. The Market Place is a true farmers market. You won’t find imported goods and re-sold products. You will only find hand crafted soaps, body products, and foods.

This week you will find gluten-free products, fresh vegetables, beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, salmon, body salves, soaps, fresh juices, spices and dips, honey, breads, micro-greens, natural insect sprays, and much more. The Market Place is located on North Seventh Street, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. For the latest information, find us on Facebook.com.