Lents International Farmers Market kicks off 20th season

Discover what’s in store as the original outer East Portland farmers market heads into their second decade …

Ready to ring a bell, signaling the opening the Lents International Farmers Market’s 2025 season, it’s Vinnie Musti of Shroomlanda.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

On Sunday morning, June 1, vendors throughout the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) rang their own bells, to mark the start of its 2025 season.

What has become the Lents International Farmers Market started off as a “pop-up” Lents Grown market, on the then-vacant corner of SE 92nd Avenue and Foster Road back in 2005.

As the idea caught on, it became a monthly market the following year – and, in 2007, began its first season as an actual weekly farmers market. CLICK HERE to see our story about that notable opening day.

Preparing for their first season at the LIFM, Jocelyn Martinez and Floriberto Martinez Cortes, of Sunrise Organic Farm, stand on either side of Market Manager Amber Holland.

“We’re looking forward to another wonderful season here at our farmers market,” forecast LIFM Market Manager Amber Holland, who is also with Portland Farmers Market.

“In addition to our returning farmers, ranchers, and food makers, we also have some new vendors this year that we’re really looking forward to welcoming to the market,” Holland told East Portland News.

Coming from “a couple blocks away, in Lents” to sell their unique baked goods are Luciano Acioli Lopes and Rosa Lopes of A-Okay Premium Foods LLC.

She pointed out the newcomers this year as the vendors were about to open for the day:

Sunrise Organic Farm from Albany OR
Shroomlandia – offering cultivated mushrooms and mushroom products
A-Okay Bakery – so close by, they bring their goods to market in a wagon
Waddle Woods Farm LLC – a pork rancher who joined the LIFM late last year
Alleamin products – ready-to-eat Somali food and products

A shopper buys a fresh custom-picked bouquet at Sulina’s Garden.

Linda Smith of Wasco Fisheries offers smoked salmon to this shopper.

“And, we have many of our long-established vendors returning, including Happy Moment Farm, Bonifacio Garden, Stadnikov Farm, Sulina’s (Flower) Garden, Wasco salmon fisheries, and Tamales Poblanos – with their fresh, hot, read-to-eat tamales,” recited Holland.

Going over a “scavenger hunt” turned in by a youngster at the Food Heros kids’ activity booth, we found OSU Dietetic Intern Emma Mathewson.

“I’ve observed that people come to a farmer’s market because they enjoy being outside, and they relish meeting people who produce and grow their food,” remarked Holland. “And, we create a space for live music every week, and that’s really welcoming for families and kiddos – particularly with the “Food Heroes” booth which provides activities for youngsters every week.”

And again this year, SNAP benefits are matched up to $20 for each purchase, Holland pointed out.

“Fresh foods and good times” are found every week at Lents International Farmers Market.

Lents International Farmers Market
+ Every Sunday through November 23
+ Open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
+ In Lents Town Center, on SE 92nd Avenue, a block north of SE Foster Road at SE Reedway Street in The Zed parking lot – across from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 11.+ CLICK HERE to see their webpage for more information.

Comments are closed.