Open for the season: Lents International Farmers Market

INCLUDES MARKET VIDEO TOUR | Many are surprised to learn for how many seasons this outer East Portland market has served the area – and is still the only ‘international’ market, anywhere in town …

A sunny morning brings out neighbors from Lents and beyond, out for the first day of the Lents International Farmers Market’s new season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Sunday, June 4, marked the opening day of the 18th season of the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM).

Although the location of this market has been varied, moving from place to place several times due to construction concerns, it’s still serving the community from its current location in Lents Town Center — visible from SE Foster Road.

Welcoming shoppers on opening day are Portland Farmers Market Executive Director Katy Kolker, and LIFM Manager Ada Harris.

“Starting off this year we’re looking forward to our ‘produce vendors’ selling a variety of fruits and vegetables; as well as prepared food – as at the tamale stand – and great roasted coffee from our local roaster,” LIFM Manager Ada Harris told East Portland News on opening day. “And each week we’re bringing back live music!”

Throughout the season, the LIFM hosts about 10 vendors each week. In addition to the produce vendors and fresh-fish seller, Salina’s Garden is coming back with fresh flowers for sale.

Fresh veggies, anyone? LIFM helpers Eamon Molloy and Amber Holland have plenty on hand.

“Having more access to fresh produce is important,” remarked Harris. “Shoppers with EBT benefits can use our ‘Double-Up Food Bucks’, which double their buying power when shopping with LIFM farm vendors. And, there’s no grocery store anywhere close to this area so, it’s good that we provide folks the Lents community with fresh produce each week.”

Take a look around the market, as seen on opening day:

Back again this year is their Market Scouts program for kids from 3 to 12 years of age, the manager pointed out. “These are activities that include food samples, crafts – and coupons for them to spend on fresh food at the market each week,” Harris informed.

At the Market Scouts booth, Lents neighbors Jessica Mendoza smiles as Voellia receives an opening day gift of her own tomato plant, from volunteer Kathy Xiong of the Overlook neighborhood.

Many good things are yet to come from the market being open this year, she observed. “Along with shipping, local people make connections, which helps solidify a sense of place – that helps make the community stronger. We’re the community gathering spot, each week during the summer, here in the Lents neighborhood.”

Lents International Farmers Market

+ Open every Sunday
+ From 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
+ Along SE Foster Road and on SE 91^st Avenue
+ For more information, see their webpage: CLICK HERE.

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