Explore how this outer East Portland farmers market keeps evolving, while staying rooted in the neighborhood …
Incoming shoppers at the Lents International Farmers Market stop at Sulian’s Garden for colorful flower bouquets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 2026 season of the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) began on Sunday, June 7, drawing neighbors back to Lents Town Center to discover a new, later, start time – and a refreshed mix of vendors, partnerships, and kids’ programs.
Operated by Portland Farmers Market, this outer East Portland market now runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday through November 22, shifting back one hour from previous seasons. Outgoing operations director and incoming Portland Farmers Market Executive Director Amber Holland connected the new schedule directly to shoppers’ requests.
Although early in the growing season, produce already appears in abundance at the Lents International Farmers Market.
“Based on community feedback last year – when we saw the market still busy toward the end of the day – neighbors asked for later opening hours,” Holland explained, adding that the revised timing also lines up better with the business day of The Zed, the market’s host.
Founded in 2006, Lents International Farmers Market has grown into a Sunday staple for the neighborhood. Portland Farmers Market took over management in 2016, continuing the mission of providing fresh, local, and culturally relevant produce to the diverse Lents community. The market features around a dozen vendors offering farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and locally made food products, and it is still free to attend.
With steaming hot tamales filling the air with rich aromas, Tamales Pablos attracts a steady line of Sunday shoppers.
Season opens with longtime favorites and new partners
On the June 7 opening day, shoppers recognized familiar faces and found new ones among the vendor tents.
“We’ve got some of our most favorite vendors coming back,” Holland reported, highlighting Tamales Pablos, a longtime ready-to-eat food vendor, and one of the market’s originals.
Anne-Marie Urukundo, African Communities Coordinator for Outgrowing Hunger in East Portland and a partner with East County Farms, spends a moment in her booth with Amber Holland.
This season also launched a new partnership with Outgrowing Hunger, bringing in growers from the African community. “We’ve got a new produce vendor this year in partnership with Outgrowing Hunger, welcoming the African community of growers, represented by one of their staff members,” Holland explained.
The arrangement reinforced the “international” character of the market, and gave opening day shoppers a broader range of culturally relevant produce choices.
To support financial access, shoppers are able to use their benefits with any farm vendor throughout the market.
Financial access also remains a priority
“As part of our programs this year, we’ve got SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Match, and Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program benefits, all returning — which is a matching of currency for low-income shoppers that qualify,” she explained.
Kids found even more to do at the season opener. “Our kids’ activities, with fun things to do for youngsters ages 3 to 12, have been expanded this year to include weekly activities that will be hosted by Portland Farmers Market staff – who are still offering the $4 Market Scout bucks,” Holland pointed out.
Crafting “bee deely-bobbers” with young visitors, Multnomah County Master Gardeners™ representatives Anita Kea’lani Yap and Jacqueline Fassett bring hands-on fun to the market.
Access, education, and kids’ activities front and center
Organizers used the market’s season opener to spotlight programs that make healthy food more accessible, and help families feel at home in the market.
“In addition to all the great produce, our pork vendor and Multnomah County Master Gardeners will be here for the first month, talking about different ways to increase your food production in your own yard, giving you some tips on healthy plant productions,” Holland told East Portland News.
Outgoing Portland Farmers Market Executive Director Katy Kolker, and Market Lead Rae Pickins, present the market’s ceremonial bell to Portland City Council President and District 1 Councilor Jamie Dunphy – with which to officially open the market.
Familiar leadership, new role
Behind the scenes, opening day also marked a leadership transition for the Lents market. As Holland moved toward a broader role with Portland Farmers Market, a seasoned crew member stepped up on site.
“Senior crew member Rae Pickens will be kind of the manager; the market’s senior crew member will be taking lead at the market, supporting vendors and supporting our young shoppers as they explore seasonal produce and other agricultural things,” Holland outlined.
That continuity, Holland emphasized, helps shoppers feel recognized, and helps vendors stay supported as the season unfolds.
Under a Portland Farmers Market banner, The Zed’s parking lot doubles as the weekly home of Lents International Farmers Market.
The Zed anchors the market’s home
Holland underscored how substantial the support of The Zed and there management has been. “They continue to provide the space at no cost to us, and access to the amenities like water and restrooms. We’re super grateful to the folks at The Zed, it’s a great partnership,” she commended.
With the season officially open, the Lents International Farmers Market again turns Sundays in Lents Town Center into a weekly blend of fresh produce, familiar faces, and new discoveries.
Lents International Farmers Market
Day/Hours: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through November 22
Location: On SE 92nd Avenue, a block north of SE Foster Road at Reedway Street, in The Zed parking lot
Website: CLICK HERE.
On our Front Page: It’s Roxana Miranda-Tello of Bonifacio Gardens, packing fresh strawberries.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
