See how this location in outer east Portland has helped the Lents International Farmers Market continue to succeed. And, check out some of their events …
Shortly after the opening bell, shoppers are head into the Lents International Farmers Market, on their first day of the 2018 season.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Bright and early, the first session of the 2018 Lents International Farmers Market (LIFA) opened on schedule the morning of June 3.
When LIFA Market Manager Amber Holland, with the Portland Farmers Market organization, rang the opening bell at 9:00 a.m. that morning, some vendors already had customers lined up, ready to buy.
“We’re excited to be starting our season – again, this year, in the Zoiglhaus Brewing Company parking lot; we’ve had success in this location, and it’s good having people know where to find us,” Holland told East Portland News.
LIFA Market Manager Amber Holland helps Shainy Arias of Dominican Sweets show off some of the goodies from her Dominican Republic homeland, including cookies, flan, and “Bizcocho Dominicano” (Dominican cake).
This season, new vendors have signed up – including Scratch Meats Yolkan Farm, and Dominican Sweets, Holland observed. “And, we’re thrilled to have back so many of our long-time vendors returning, including Urban Acre Homestead!”
While other markets may open earlier in the season, LIFM prefers to open in June, so their participating farmers and producers have a larger selection of crops to bring in, Holland explained. “And, with good growing weather, you’ll see strawberries in the market, already, and the leafy greens are still sweet and tender.”
“Food Scouts” Pavilion, Kit, and sister Lucy take a very close-up look at vegetables with their mom, Rachel Mealey.
Special Market Features
- Every Sunday – Food Scouts provides a fresh food learning opportunity and $2 in market currency, for participating kids
- Second Sundays – The second Sunday of every month, Courtney from OSU Extension Service provides SNAP education, including food demonstration and tastings, highlighting the international produce at LIFM and the growers
- July 22 Berry Good Market – This is the Sunday to celebrate the peak of the Pacific Northwest’s berry season
- August 5 Lents Street Fair – When coming out to this fun, family-friendly event, be sure to stop in at the market!
And, with the success of last year’s Harvest Market, they’ve decided to extend their season this year. “We found that our growers still had a lot of product to sell; so this year, the market will continue – every week – through November 18, the Sunday before Thanksgiving,” Holland announced.
Sabine Amend and Richard Seymour shop for produce with Roderigo Amaro, of Yolkan Farm in Forrest Grove.
You’ll find fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant produce and foods for the diverse Lents community at the Lents International Farmers Market, open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
In addition to standard market produce, the market features a variety of unique fresh produce from Hmong, Latinx, and Russian farmers. They’re over at the “Z-House” parking lot, located on SE 92nd near Reedway Street, between SE Foster and Harold streets. For more information, see their official webpage, on the Portland Farmers Market website: CLICK HERE.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™