The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) is committed to maintaining its four farmers markets as a vital food facility and local food source during this time of uncertainty with the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the VCCFMA announces that all four markets will remain open for the foreseeable future in Midtown Ventura, Downtown Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita.

In order to provide the safest operations possible, the VCCFMA is modifying its systems by implementing more stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols at the markets, which include increased sanitization of the equipment and frequently touched areas. Additional hand wash stations and sanitizing products are also available at the markets’ Information Booths. All sampling practices are being discontinued as well as the elimination of cooked foods.

The move of the Thousand Oaks Market scheduled for March 26 to the Front Northwest Outdoor Lot at the Oaks Shopping Center has been postponed during this chaotic time. The market will remain at the East End Parking Lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard until the market operations become stabilized. A new move date, projected for May, will be announced once the site has been approved. Shoppers can assist with safety by utilizing the hand washing stations, washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking and washing again thoroughly after using the restroom. Products will be limited, and shoppers are asked to observe social distancing as well. All food products need to be thoroughly washed when taken home. It is also advisable not to touch ones’ face, hair, body or clothes. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure everyone’s safety at the markets.

Current updates will be available on VCCFMA social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfm.org.

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association is a non-profit farmers’ cooperative that has been in existence since 1986 and serves the communities of Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita with their four weekly certified farmers’ markets.

Ventura County’s food bank is stepping up its operations to ensure that those in need have access to food.

As an essential service, Food Share, Ventura County’s food bank, is not only staying open, it’s stepping up its operations to feed even more people in need. In addition to grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants, food banks across the state are being asked to stay open by Governor Gavin Newsom, even during the statewide stay at home directive.

Monica White, President & CEO of Food Share, has a straightforward and positive message, “Keep calm and we’ll feed on! We are open for business and will continue to feed those in need in Ventura County. Our mission is more important than ever. We have asked our older volunteers to put their own health first and stay home, but we need help to meet the increasing need. If you are over the age of 12, are not in a vulnerable health group and have no symptoms of illness, please go to foodshare.com/volunteer and sign up for a shift. Our community needs your help.”

Food Share has stepped up its already rigorous food safety and facility sanitation practices to minimize any risk to food recipients, volunteers or employees. Everyone who volunteers will be asked to wash their hands thoroughly on entry to the building, will wear protective gloves throughout their shift and will work 6 feet away from other volunteers.

“We are working diligently with our food pantries and other community partners to implement new methods of food distribution, such as drive-through and drop-and-go models to ensure appropriate social distancing” added White. “We have also waived all delivery fees in addition to the shared maintenance fees to help our pantry partners keep the food flowing to those in need.”

Up-to-date information on temporary pantry closures, pop-up distribution sites and emergency volunteer opportunities will be posted at foodshare.com/covid19/ and on Food Share’s social media channels.

For information on free Senior Food Kit distributions please go to foodshare.com/seniorkits

VCAAA also has information and resources for seniors at vcaaa.org/covid-19/

You can make a donation in support of Food Share at foodshare.com/give

The recent developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are rapidly evolving. While county, state, and federal agencies take the lead to address the public health-related concerns connected to the virus, our office is also working closely with the County, Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and other key partners to assist our local businesses through the developing economic impacts. 

On March 17, the County of Ventura issued a Public Health Order outlining new requirements including all permanent food facilities, along with bars and nightclubs that offer food. The Public Health Order also requires closure of the following types of businesses in Ventura County, which includes the City of Ventura: 

•    Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food

•    Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades

•    Gyms, fitness centers, and aquatic centers

•    Wineries, breweries, and taprooms that provide tastings. 

The economic health of our businesses is a key priority. We understand that during these times, our local employees and employers are going to be affected by the impacts of COVID-19.  We are here with you and want to be your partner through these uncertain times.  

While recognizing social distancing is essential during this time, we do not want to overlook the importance of investing in our local economy. We encourage our residents to continue supporting our local businesses through pick up or delivery services.  At last night’s City Council meeting, City Council Leadership set the directive to allow for easier access to businesses offering pick up services.  Effective immediately, all parking meters downtown will not be enforced. Free parking will be available through April 12, 2020.  

If you are an employee or employer affected by COVID-19, please visit the Economic Development Collaborative website for a resource guide on information on economic recovery efforts. As new resources become available, this guide will be updated as needed. 

Lastly, please be considerate of others and help to slow the spread of this virus. Review the CDC’s guidance for more information on how you can do your part.

With the health and safety of employees, customers and communities of utmost importance, E.J. Harrison & Sons and its partners at Gold Coast Recycling and Agromin are closely following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and all relevant federal, state and local agencies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Operations at all facilities are generally continuing unabated. The only significant change affecting customers is at Gold Coast, where the Buy-Back Center at its Colt Street facility in Ventura has been closed until further notice, to protect the safety of customers and employees. Residential and commercial recycling continues as usual.

At Harrison, “we do not anticipate having to change our normal trash-collection operations,” said Contracts Manager Dan Harrison. “We are monitoring the situation closely and if the need arises, we will adapt our operations. We will update the public immediately if we believe any significant changes are required.”

At Gold Coast, “our operation is in full working order,” said General Manager George Harrison. “We’re aided greatly by the recent systems upgrade, particularly to the picking line, where employees can easily stand six feet apart and all employees wear protective gloves and masks.”

At Agromin, “we do not anticipate having any changes to our normal operations,” said CEO Bill Camarillo. “Our facility is open for business based on the guidelines from local government and health officials. We will continue to monitor the situation and email updates as necessary.”

“We are grateful for your continued support,” Camarillo said. “Please take care of one another. Stay safe and healthy.”

Thanking all of the companies’ customers, Harrison spokeswoman Nan Drake said: “We appreciate your understanding at this unique and challenging time. We will continue to provide the essential solid waste and recycle services we have committed to perform. As always, we will operate under our company motto that Service is Everything.”

For additional information, visit the companies’ websites, at ejharrison.com, goldcoastrecycling.com and agromin.com.

The Ventura County Community Foundation, in coordination with the County of Ventura, Amgen Foundation, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give An Hour, and the Economic Development Collaborative, has launched a Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more.

While public health officials are working diligently to prepare for and respond to COVID-19, VCCF’s Rapid Response Fund makes financial support available to those organizations experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, and to enable these organizations to maintain and increase services.

“We appreciate the swift response of the Ventura County Community Foundation in responding to the needs of our community members, especially the most vulnerable, during this time of emergency. We will continue to mobilize county resources, coordinate with agencies and partners and raise awareness about how we can all work together to take action, support one another and be prepared. During difficult times, it is wonderful to have so many community partners throughout our County who continue to give in profound and generous ways. Recent emergencies in our region have demonstrated our resiliency and strength of community. As this situation continues to evolve, the Rapid Response Fund will be powerful in meeting the needs of so many,” said County CEO, Mike Powers.

VCCF is honored to partner with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA who will be providing immediate financial assistance to those in need. For more information, please contact Megan Glynn at (805) 497-3081, ext. 1008.

“The Southeast Ventura County YMCA understands the impact across our region will be vast,” said Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We are honored to work closely with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance and support during these difficult times,” said Stone.

“As the challenges associated with COVID-19 continue to evolve, we are committed to supporting our neighbors, colleagues, friends and communities,” said Eduardo Cetlin, president, Amgen Foundation. “Thank you to the Ventura County Community Foundation for initiating this Rapid Response Fund, which will be critical as Ventura County’s nonprofit organizations work to address the needs of those impacted by the virus.”

“Give an Hour is proud to partner once again with Ventura County Community Foundation to support the mental health and emotional wellness needs of our community as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kirsti Thompson, Director of Operations for Give an Hour California. “We encourage all to pay attention to your emotional wellness through this stressful time.”

To support the Rapid Response Fund, VCCF welcomes financial contributions from individuals, organizations, companies, and institutions. Donations can be made at VCCF.org.

VCCF will not take any administrative fees from this fund, 100% of donations will be awarded based on the criteria of the fund.

For more information, visit vccf.org or contact Vanessa Bechtel at 805-330-6676 or [email protected].

Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.