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Local growers thrive during pandemic

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Big Bend produce providers say it's business as usual for them despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Vendors set up at the Frenchtown Heritage Hub for the weekly farmer's market.

They had everything from fruits and veggies -- to soaps.

The market shifted back to regular hours after originally shortening times, in order to give people the chance to get their goods in an open air environment instead of busy grocery stores.

Market facilitator Rachel Conversi says now shoppers feel more comfortable.

"So initially I would say numbers were definitely down, right when things broke of course people were nervous. People were a little more nervous to come out. But after we were able to provide things like protective measures for our vendors, and we were able to re-do our layouts in a safer manner, we were actually shocked at the amount of people that came out after that. It was actually a larger number than what we had in the past."

You can visit the market every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Vendors there also double the value of purchases made with SNAP and EBT benefits.