Lents International Farmers Market opens for 16th season

TAKE A VIDEO TOUR | They’ve moved again! See where you’ll now find fresh produce and prepared foods every Sunday, right in the heart of Lents Town Center …

The Lents International Farmers Market is open for the 2022 a couple of blocks west of its former location; you’ll now find it along SE Foster Road.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Founded in 2006 by community volunteers, the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) has changed locations several times since Lents Town Center construction began, but found home for a couple of years in The Zed (Zoiglhaus Brewing Company) parking lot.

However now, In keeping with its nomadic tradition, the LIFM has moved again – opening on June 5 not far away, along SE Foster Road.

With the “Market Bell” in hand, LIFM Market Manager Ada Harris signals the opening of the farmers market for the season.

“Our new place here, just west of Lents Commons, is going to be a temporary location for this season,” LIFM Market Manager Ada Harris advised. “Where the market has been – across from the Lents Fire Station – is being built into a permanent ‘community plaza’ right now.”

While many farmers markets dot the city during the summertime, this is the only “international” such market that regular shoppers know.

Shoppers get bouquets of fresh blooms from returning LIFM vendor Sulina’s Garden.

“We have from eight to ten vendors each week – with flowers, local produce, honey, prepared foods, baked goods, and ready-to-eat tamales,” Harris told East Portland News.

Also returning this year is the Slow Food Portland Market Scouts booth, providing educational activities for kids 3 to 11 years of age – and a bonus of $3 for them to spend at the market each week.

This shopper buys fresh greens from returning vendor Happy Moment Farm.

Harris pointed out that the LIFM accepts cash, credit cards, SNAP, WIC checks (but not WIC cards), and Senior Farm Direct vouchers, Veggie Prescriptions, and Sisters of the Road Fresh Change. Not only that, but SNAP shoppers can receive Double Up Food Bucks – up to $20 per day.

“The best thing about a farmers market is that it’s all about the community that we develop here,” Harris observed. “We see the neighbors come together each week, meeting new people. And, it’s here where shoppers meet and get to know the farmers who are growing the food they purchase!”

Take a brief video tour of the the Lents International Farmers Market:

Lents International Farmers Market

Open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. through November 20
New location: Along SE Foster Road, straddling SE 91^st Avenue
See their webpage: CLICK HERE.

>> On our Front Page: Showing asparagus grown in Parkdale, Oregon is Alma Rodriguez of Pheasants Eye Farm.

Comments are closed.