Virginia Cyclospora Outbreak Lifts Farmers' Market Sales 26% as Cases Rise to 197
Updated
Updated · WWBT · Aug 13
Virginia Cyclospora Outbreak Lifts Farmers' Market Sales 26% as Cases Rise to 197
3 articles · Updated · WWBT · Aug 13
Summary
Virginia had reported 197 Cyclospora cases by Monday, up 35 from the previous week, as shoppers increasingly shifted produce purchases to local farmers' markets.
Dogwood Dell vendors in Richmond said the outbreak linked to fresh fruits and vegetables has driven heavier foot traffic, with some buyers citing pregnancy and food-safety concerns.
Lesley's Garden said most of its produce was picked within the week and travels less than supermarket supply, a selling point as health officials still investigate the multi-state outbreak.
The spillover has reached non-food sellers too: Elizabeth Jewelry said sales are up 26% since the outbreak drew more customers to the market.
The shift follows a July recall of lettuce from distributor Taylor Fresh Foods and may outlast the outbreak, with some shoppers saying they plan to keep supporting local farmers.