Jack-Whaley, a Dripping Springs resident who has run the Barton Creek Farmers Market for 14 years, had been mulling the idea of a delivery service for some time, she said. Noting lagging attendance at the market, Jack-Whaley was already considering ways to revive public interest when COVID-19 hit, making delivery the standard method for many area residents to get grocery and produce.
"It made it really simple to just go for it," Jack-Whaley said.
Jack-Whaley contacted vendors from the Barton Creek market to invite them to participate, and invited vendors from the Dripping Springs Farmers Market as well. Through the Austin Farmers Market Delivery website, customers can select the individual vendor they want to purchase from and contact them to place an order. Vendors include High Country Bison, EIEIO Farm, Reverse Pioneer Microgreens, EDG Coffee, Goataliscious Cheese and Svantes Grass-fed Beef, to name a few.
Whaley then picks up the order from the vendor and delivers the item to the customer—careful to observe social distancing measures in the process, the website assures shoppers.
“I'm just happy to help people get good food and help farmers and businesses," Jack-Whaley said. “I hope people will take this opportunity to try out their local small businesses and produce and meat, and be open to it, and then continue to keep buying from them.”
Delivery is available to addresses throughout Central Austin, Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs. Barton Creek vendors deliver to the 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78733, 78735, 78745, 78746 and 78749 ZIP codes, and the Dripping Springs vendors deliver to the 78719, 78620, 78636, 78637 and 78638 ZIP codes. Delivery from Barton Creek is available on Saturdays and delivery from Dripping Springs is available on Wednesdays.
Jack-Whaley said she is working to partner with more farmers markets moving forward as well.
