The City of Bloomington isn’t saying which farmers’ market vendors received a pair of letters intended to clarify market rules.
Yael Ksander, Communications Director in the mayor’s office, says the letters were meant to clarify guidelines ahead of the market’s spring opening announced earlier this week.
Vendors who received letters received those letters because there were violations either of guidelines or rules that were codified in the 2019 rules and 2019 handbook, and that have been strengthened and reinforced in the 2020 handbook.
READ MORE: Bloomington Community Farmers' Market Finalizing Online Platform
More than 100 vendors have registered for the online market which allows patrons to pre-order produce and pick it up in a drive-through. The online market quickly sold out of product just hours after opening.
Shoppers will pick up items at a designated time based on their last names, and the city expects the in-person market to resume when social distancing restrictions are lifted.
Vendors won’t pay a percentage of their online proceeds to the City, but patrons paying with a credit card will be charged a 5 percent fee.
Ksander says it’s unclear if the online option will continue.
This post has been updated.
