Call the hotline at 202-888-4834 starting June 23 to get enrolled to receive no-cost produce this summer!

How is Produce Plus Direct going to work in 2020? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in early July, Produce Plus Direct will support farmers and farmers’ market organizations to distribute no-cost, locally grown produce to DC residents. Customers who enroll will be matched with a specific farmer or farmers market where they can receive a share of produce each week via a socially distant distribution method, like a grab & go box of produce or home delivery.

How can I enroll? Beginning June 23rd, customers should call the Produce Plus hotline at 202-888-4834 after enrollment begins to be matched to a farmer or farmers’ market. Customers will be assigned to a farmer or farmers’ market on a first-come, first-serve basis until all are full.
How will Produce Plus match me with a distribution site? Our team will take into consideration each participant’s location and other needs (such as household size, need for delivery, access to the internet, desired box size etc) to make a suitable match.

Is there an enrollment limit? Yes, there is an enrollment limit for participation per farmer or market as Produce Plus Direct funds are limited. Customers will be assigned locations on a first-come, first-serve basis until all are full. 

Will I have a choice in what produce I receive? Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, many customers will be matched with Produce Plus Direct farmers or farmers markets who will provide pre-boxed fresh produce to participants, much like a CSA (community supported agriculture) or farm share that provides variety depending on what is available in the farmer’s fields. Other farmers may offer PPD customers the opportunity to pre-order produce via phone or web, some may offer delivery and others may offer some choice of options at the market. Customers will have a choice during the enrollment process to be matched with a produce option that works for them for the whole season.

Can I receive Produce Plus Direct from more than one market? The short answer is no. The way Produce Plus Direct is structured this year will not allow changes from week to week. This year’s program will minimize social distancing by giving you access to produce from one farmer or one market – the same farmer or market each week for the whole season.

Can I visit more than one market per week? Unfortunately, this year’s Produce Plus Direct program will require you to get all our Produce Plus Direct produce from one location for the whole season. When you enroll, we will match you up with an option that works for you and you will receive produce from one farmer or market throughout the rest of July, August and September.

Why isn’t Produce Plus distributing checks this summer? Distributing checks requires in-person interaction and congregating in public sites. This method of distribution would not adhere to COVID-19 public health requirements listed in the Mayor’s Order 2020-058. As a result, the Produce Plus funds will be awarded to farmers and markets that can distribute no-cost produce to DC residents via socially distant and safe distribution methods.

What if I don’t like the produce included in my box? We encourage participants to try new recipes with unfamiliar produce and/or share or swap unwanted produce with neighbors and family.  Produce Plus will also continue to send out our weekly newsletter with recipes and tips for lesser-known produce throughout the summer.

Why isn’t Produce Plus requiring documentation of DC residency or proof of participation in a qualifying program? To adhere to socially distant and safe protocols, Produce Plus will manage enrollment remotely via the hotline. To reduce customer lines and registration wait times, Produce Plus will not require participants to show documentation at distribution sites.

What if I don’t like the produce included in my box? We encourage participants to try new recipes with unfamiliar produce and/or share or swap unwanted produce with neighbors and family. Produce Plus will also continue to send out our weekly newsletter with recipes and tips for lesser-known produce throughout the summer.

Can I assign a proxy to pick up my box? Once you are assigned to a farmer or farmers’ market organization, you will need to communicate with them to determine if they will allow proxies to pick up on your behalf.

Where else in DC will Produce Plus Direct offer no-cost produce? The program is prioritizing service in areas of the city that have the fewest places to buy fresh produce. This will allow the limited funds to reach DC residents with the least amount of access to fresh produce. The program is also prioritizing services to residents experiencing the highest rates of COVID-19 deaths so city funds may reach residents who are most impacted by COVID-19.

Farmers’ Market Updates

Farmers’ Markets During COVID-19 
In accordance with Mayor’s Order 2020-058, the District Government will only allow farmers’ markets to operate if operators submit and get approved a COVID-19 waiver request to operate during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If a market does not comply with the following requirements, they will be shut down. The requirements per Mayor’s Order 2020-058 include:

• A limit of persons allowed to enter the market at one time and a prohibition on pets
• A limit on vendors that don’t sell food items, hand sanitizer or cloth masks
• A limit on counters and booths to reduce movement of customers between booths
• Operations are limited to only allow “grab and go” type purchasing, including pre-bagged items at a fixed price and pre-orders that the customer picks up
• All products must be placed behind a booth, table, rope or other barrier to prevent customers from touching product before purchase

• Leave pets at home.
• Leave children, seniors, and other vulnerable family members at home.
• Only send one family member from each household to the market.
• Explore home delivery from local farms and food hubs.
• Order ahead to limit the time spent at the market.
• Keep proper distance from food displays and surfaces and follow social distance requirements.
• Stay home if they feel ill, have symptoms, or have been exposed to the virus.

Get up-to-date information on farmers’ markets at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/node/1471906.