Now open for summer: The Lents International Farmers Market returns

INCLUDES OPENING MARKET DAY VIDEO TOUR | See how this outer East Portland market has settled into its newly remodeled space, and learn what you will find there every Sunday …

From the sound of the opening bell, folks start arriving at the Lents International Farmers Market on its first day of the season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The prediction of an “atmospheric river” soaking outer East Portland neighborhoods didn’t stop shoppers turning out for the vendors – on Sunday, June 2, at the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM).

The market’s renovated space, in Lents Town Center on SE 92nd Avenue, right across from Fire Station No. 11, perfectly suits the LIFM.

Showing off market merchandise is LIFM Market Manager Natalie Kogan-White and Jackie Boliba-Soule.

“We’re looking forward to another year of the community once again coming together here at our market in Lents,” said LIFM Market Manager Natalie Kogan-White on opening morning.

“Shoppers who come here are connecting over a wide variety foods,” Kogan-White told East Portland News. “It’s so great to see different people, from diverse cultures, sharing their foods with the community here.”

Take a video tour of the Lents International Farmers Market on opening day:

Although new to the LIFM, Kogan-White said she’s experienced in the business.

“Mostly, I’ve been associated with markets in the roles of a farmer and a vendor,” explained Kogan-White. “I’ve done vegetable farming, urban gardening, and working with poultry – and also, I’ve been a vendor for a mushroom company, a chai tea company, and a couple of farms. Being a market manager is a new role for me!”

It’s a Lents “local”, Jennifer Owings, shopping with Tatyana Puzur of Happy Moment Farm.

At peak season the market will host 15 vendors; typically, you’ll find about a dozen purveyors every Sunday at the LIFM.

“Our market is farm-dominant; we should see our farmers consistently every Sunday,” Kogan-White remarked. “And, we have a few new vendors this year, like hot food vendor Chicken, Fried! – and specialty espresso stand Juniper Java.

Here’s Santiago Delgado of Chicken, Fried!

At Juniper Java, it’s Winnie Kong making espresso along with and Zach Leahy.

“What will delight many returning shoppers is that one of our original farm producers, Happy Moment Farm, has returned. Also back are our local coffee roaster, our cut flower vendor – and, Vladimir is back, with his honey and produce,” Kogan-White pointed out.

In the “Food Hero” booth, helping with kids’ activities, here’s OSU Extension Service SNAP Education Assistant Rebecca Rich.

Kids’ activities return as OSU’s Food Hero program provides fun educational activities, hands on cooking, tastings, and interactive games. Plus, participating kids receive $3 to spend with the market’s farmers each week.

And, Kogan-White added, the Double Up Food Bucks program continues – which matches SNAP benefits spent at the market, up to $20 per day.

All this, and live music, every Sunday as well!

Lents International Farmers Market

Every Sunday through November 24
9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
It’s in The ZED parking lot on SE 92nd Avenue, two blocks north of Foster Road at SE Reedway Street – across from PF&R Fire Station 11.
To see what’s at the Lents International Farmers Market this week, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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