Down to Earth Farmers Market: Saturdays in Chelsea | Down to Earth Farmers Market has a presence in Chelsea, Saturdays, 9am-3pm, through December 19, along the sidewalk on the North side of W. 23rd St., east of Ninth Ave. The Market has altered its shopping guidelines, in accordance with COVID-19 precautions. Click here to read the guidelines, and arrive prepared to browse while maintaining social distance. To visit the website page specific to their Chelsea Market, click here. Go to the Manager’s Tent to use your SNAP EBT card and get tokens to spend with our vendors. Health Bucks available. FMNP WIC/Seniors checks can be used at the farm stands through November. Note: Food scrap recycling collection is on pause. Please do not bring items for composting to the farmers market.

Wednesday, September 23, 5-7pm: Virtual Rat Academy | Do you see rats in and around your building or neighborhood? Learn about safe and effective methods of prevention at this free online training session. See the below flyer for details. RSVP, and ask questions about accessibility, via email: SpeakerJohnson@council.nyc.gov.

Pandemic Benefits Guidance Packet |This Benefits Guidance includes information on grocery options, health care, financial support and more. Find out what you are eligible for, regardless of your employment or immigration status. To view the packet, click here. For more information, click here.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Vending Machines in Subway Stations | The MTA is deploying a dozen vending machines at 10 subway stations, allowing customers to buy COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE). The new machines, part of a pilot program, will offer reusable face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. Vending Machines can be found at the following stations: 14th Street-Union Square: 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W Lines / 34 St-Herald Square (2 machines): B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W Lines / 34 St-Penn Station: 1, 2, 3 Lines / 34 St-Penn Station: A, C, E Line / 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal: A, C, E Lines / 42 St-Times Square (2 machines): 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W Lines / 59 St-Columbus Circle: 1, A, B, C, D Lines / 74 St-Roosevelt Avenue: 7, E, F, M, R, Lines / Atlantic Av-Barclays Center: 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R Lines / Lexington Av: E, M Lines. Single-use surgical masks will still be distributed at station booths and sanitizer will be placed at subway stations for customers. 

Open Streets | With no closing date currently set, New York City is opening streets to allow for greater social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Open Streets are available daily, 8am to 8pm (unless otherwise noted) for pedestrians and cyclists to use the roadbed of the street while maintaining social distancing. Opening hours may vary by location due to NYPD staffing. For info on the Open Streets program, click here, and see the below flyer. Designated local areas include W. 22nd St. btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves., and W. 21st St. btw. Ninth & 10th Aves. For our recent article on how Chelsea is participating in the program, click here.

–Compiled by Scott Stiffler

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