Farmers market opens for the season, in Lents

See why neighbors are rejoicing that the Lents International Farmers Market has returned for the new season …

Jason Morrill and Verena Morrill and son Maximus say they’re enjoying their trip to the market, where they’re shown shopping at N & M Amaro Produce.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s a new season for vendors and shoppers at the Lents International Farmers Market, which celebrated its opening day on May 31.

The Market Manager for several of its eight previous seasons, Sarah Broderick, was at the opening day. “I’m transitioning to [being] the Economic Development Manager with Zenger Farm,” she said.

“This farmers market, and a new Grange Commercial Kitchen, is part of Zenger’s Economic Development Program,” Broderick told East Portland News. “Some of the new vendors here at the farmers market are part of our kitchen, a project helping to foster new entrepreneurs, providing them with a commercially-licensed commissary kitchen.”

It’s a busy day, as the Lents International Farmers Market opens for the season.

Zenger Farm Economic Development Manager Sarah Broderick introduces vendors and shoppers to new Market Manager Amelia Salvador.

While new to many in the Lents community, the new Lents International Farmers Market Manager, Amelia Salvador, is well-known to East Portland News readers, having long been associated with producing outer East Portland events, and working with Rossi Farms.

“I’m a huge farmers market enthusiast,” Salvador said. “I love this! This is the next step of the evolution of my work life. It’s similar to what I did when with Rossi Farms, but with even more community involvement.”

Tiffany Le helps a shopper purchase market tokens, using his debit card.

Zenger Farm intern Brittany Giunchigliani, along with a Zenger farmer, Bryan Allan, offers fresh produce.

Although early in the growing season, this outer East Portland market featured 15 vendors of fresh, prepared, and ready-to-eat foods. “We have 21 signed up, with a capacity of 30 vendors at the height of the season,” Salvador pointed out.

Strawberries, berries, and cherries are hot commodities at the start the season, the manager pointed out. “Come buy them before they’re gone!” advised Salvador.

New Zenger Farm Executive Director Mike Wenrick (yes, he’s the big carrot in shades) plays with his three-year-old daughter Eleanor. “She loves her vegetables!”

Over the years, Salvador said, this farmers market has become a “hub of the community”, and she intends to build on that. “Here, we are providing a venue for local farmers and food producers to be able to sell their crops and goods. And, it’s important to this community to have fresh food that is convenient and accessible to community members.”

Plan now to go see what’s fresh, at this lively farmers market!

By the way, they will be OPEN on July 5,
to serve customers on the holiday weekend!

Alyssa Somvong serves up hot-and-ready-to-enjoy Pai Tong Thai Cuisine.

Lents International Farmers Market
10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Lents Crossroad Plaza
SE 92^nd Avenue and SE Foster Road
Visit their website: CLICK HERE.

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