Missing farmers markets during pandemic? Here’s how you can still get your favorite goods

Vendors that usually set up shop at farmers markets in Manatee and Sarasota counties are offering a new way to keep getting their fresh, locally produced goods to their customers.

The Sarasota Honey Company is organizing vendors to be a part of their new concept, The Virtual Victory Market, as an online alternative to the markets canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Customers can visit sarasotahoney.com and click on Victory Market at the top of the page to see the participating vendors and to learn more.

According to Sarasota Honey Company’s Alma Johnson, “Customers can log onto the Victory Market to access vendor websites, choose their purchases and pay ahead while maintaining social distancing and/or shelter in place standards by going to their local pickup stop and texting that they are there to pick up.”

Each pickup location prepares the orders that the vendors drop off ahead of time and each order is checked to ensure that it is correct.

Johnson said each pickup location will be routinely sanitized according to the standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most of the participating vendors typically set up during the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch farmers market seasons and more are welcome to participate by calling 941-726-8755 or email alma@sarasotahoney.com.

Vendors participating can use the Sarasota Honey Company’s pickup locations or create their own.

“It is a win-win to have a database of as many farmers market vendors offering pickup/delivery during this trying time,” Johnson said.

About a dozen vendors are already participating.