COVID-19 Safety and Protocols
Project GROWS is sustaining active oversight to people and programs impacted by the risks to health and safety posed by the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. The safety of our students, families, employees, volunteers, market vendors, and customers is our highest priority. 
The Management Team of Project GROWS, Inc., with our Board of Directors are following guidelines from state and national authorities to be responsive to the COVID-19 pandemic. At present we continue to amend schedules, protocols and programming to support safety in compliance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH). We are following guidelines where they inform best practices to reduce the spread of infection, mitigate risk to staff; and support safety for the community at large for the long-term. Farmer’s Markets are open to online-purchasing and curbside pickup. We are monitoring “Forward Virginia,” and the legally approved Phased Openings for business and civic groups with our goals for community safety; accessibility to fresh and healthy foods and; advocating for a vibrant local food system and regional economy. 
- Farm operations continue with staff working in shifts and following our COVID-19 Farm Protocols to limit exposure and sustain growing operations.
- On-Farm Summer Camp Programming and Garden Work Parties are suspended until further notice. Visit our blog to view our online educational video series, Signs of Spring.
- Our GROWS office at the Staunton Innovation Hub is limited to staff only working in shifts.
- A Daily Health Check is asked of each GROWS staff member to monitor for personal health and community safety.
COVID PROTOCOLS GROWS staff are committed to the following protocols and we ask you as partners and patrons as well, to follow these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control:
- Wear a mask at all times when in public spaces
- Wash hands regularly and thoroughly
- Avoid touching your face
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or a tissue
- Remain at home if you feel sick
Contact InformationIf you have any questions about our procedures or would like to discuss programs and farmers markets with Project GROWS, please contact the respective Management Team member by email or phone as listed:Executive Director, Tom Brenneman 540.421.4732 director@projectgrows.orgDirector of Education, Nichole Barrows nichole@projectgrows.orgDirector of Farm Operations, Laura Faircloth, laura@projectgrows.orgAssociate Director of Farm Operations, Clara Metzler clara@projectgrows.orgDirector of Food Access, Megan Marshall megan@projectgrows.org