Since the COVID-19 outbreak emerged, many things have come to a close. Among the local groups that had to put a halt to their operations, the Pullman Good Food Co-op decided to start a virtual community market about three weeks ago. 

“The idea is to help strengthen our local economy and help our community connect with local groceries in a way that makes them feel safe,” said Sue Guyett, Pullman Good Food Co-op board chairperson.

The co-op is trying to create the most realistic experience for their community members, who are loyal customers of the Pullman and Moscow farmers markets, Guyett said.

“We wanted customers to get the sense of being at the farmers market,” she said.

Each vendor has a list of their products and contact information on the Pullman Good Food Co-op website. Customers can connect directly with vendors to coordinate their purchase by deciding pick up or delivery options, Guyett said. 

Vendors participating in the farmers market include Two If By SeaFoods, Love’s Kombucha, Smoot’s Flavor Farm, Orchard Farm Soap and Purpose Roasters, according to the Pullman Good Food Co-op website. 

She said she hopes students returning to Pullman will love the virtual farmers market.

“It is a great way to discover new food and resources you don’t see in the local grocery stores, and the quality of the food and products will be pleasing to both students and local residents,” Guyett said.

Paradise Creek Brewery has called Pullman its home for the past 10 years with currently two locations. Owner Tom Handy said he established takeout, curbside and delivery services when the brewery closed.

Although restaurants can now allow customers to dine in, Handy said he is still keeping the brewery online market open.

“The new virtual farmer’s market is bringing more awareness to our products from a different demographic of people,” he said. “We use a bunch of locally-grown products in many of our beers.”

When and if students return in the fall, the population in Pullman may increase again. He said he hopes students will utilize this market instead of dining in to prevent the risk of possibly spreading the virus. 

“I hope the virtual market is well-promoted so the students are aware of it and given the choice to utilize the online ordering service as an alternative to going out,” Handy said.