Ripe City: eNews from Portland Farmers Market for July 2010

Building Burgers and Community
This July 4th the real fireworks were at our King Market, where the community showed up in droves to support our Build a Burger Fundraiser! Burgers were built and over $635 dollars were raised in support of Foodshare Fund Northeast (FFNE), the innovative program that helps our local ranchers and growers provide healthy food to our neighbors who receive SNAP benefits. Click here to to watch a fabulous KGW clip of the event.

With one out of six Oregonians experiencing food insecurity, demand on the FFNE’s program is at an all-time high. Want to help your neighbors purchase healthy, local foods as they work to build a stable future? Click here to learn how you can donate.

A warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone who built a burger this weekend and to our wonderful vendors and community partners who graciously donated the following items that made this fundraiser possible:

•    Pine Mountain Ranch & Deck Family Farm (burgers)
•    Groundwork Organics (veggie toppings)
•    Springwater Farm (mushrooms for toppings bar)
•    Unbound Pickling (pickles)
•    Dave’s Killer Bread (buns)
•    Turtle Island Foods, Inc. (Tofurky vegetarian “sausage”)
•    Grand Central Bakery (vanilla shortbread cookies for dessert)
•    New Seasons Market (cheese)
•    Alberta Cooperative Grocery (condiments)
•    Tim’s Cascade Snacks (potato chips)
•    Copper Crown Fine Food (pesto)

Reister Farms

In case you have ever wondered…It takes 130 acres, 7 dogs and 4 people to raise 300 sheep. Or at least that is what it takes on Reister Farms, a 3rd generation farm in Washougal, WA that brings their antiobotic-and-hormone-free lamb, eggs and sausages (try the delectable lamb, feta and mint one!)  to Buckman Maket each Thursday from 3-7pm.  Learn more about the Reisters’ passion for sustainable agriculture and preservation of small family farms>>

All Six Markets Are Open!
Last month, we opened the final two markets in our season line up, both of which are new for 2010: the NW 23rd Portland Farmers Market (read an article from The Oregonian) and Portland Farmers Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square (watch a video from opening day). If you haven’t stopped by already, what are you waiting for?  Come discover what local treasures are awaiting you at our two newest markets.

Kids Cook at the Market
This summer, kids are learning about the seasonality of food, meeting local farmers and chefs, and gaining first-hand experience preparing ingredients purchased fresh at the market. Watch this fun video from a recent class, then sign up today for a chance to see your kids truly excited about new cooking skills and eating fresh, local food!

July Happenings
From a four-course dinner served on a lavender farm to festivals celebrating Pinot Noir or Pale Ales and Pilsners, July is packed with ways to enjoy local food and beverages en plein air. For the DIY-inclined, there are classes to help you raise your own chickens or make homemade mozzerella. Click here to discover what’s happening around Portland’s food and farming community this month>>

Taking Root

Fun, family activities, giveaways and raffle prizes will be part of the Portland Farmers Market this summer, courtesy of COUNTRY Financial.

The insurance and financial services company has forged a budding relationship with the market as a major sponsor of the 2010 season. Look for new, family-friendly activities to blossom in COUNTRY booths at all six market locations.

What does insurance and financial services have to do with fresh, locally-produced farmers market wares? Find out more about COUNTRY and its connection to farmers>>

DOWNTOWN MARKETS

Saturdays ~ PSU
MARCH 20 – DECEMBER 18
8:30AM – 2PM   Fall Hours: Nov – Dec   9AM – 2PM
in downtown’s South Park Blocks
between SW Hall & Montgomery

Mondays ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square
JUNE 21 – OCTOBER 25   10AM – 2PM
at Pioneer Courthouse Square
SW Broadway between SW Morrison & Yamhill

Wednesdays ~ Shemanski Park
MAY  5 – OCTOBER 27   10AM – 2PM
in downtown’s South Park Blocks
between SW Salmon & Main

NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETS

Thursdays ~ Buckman (formerly Eastbank)
MAY 6 – SEPTEMBER 30    3:00 – 7:00PM
SE Salmon at 20th
between SE Hawthorne & Belmont

Thursdays ~ NW 23rd
JUNE 3 – SEPTEMBER 30    3:00 – 7:00PM
Corner of NW 23rd & Savier

Sundays ~ King
MAY 2 – OCTOBER 31    10AM – 2PM
NE 7th at Wygant between NE Alberta & Prescott
All markets accept Oregon Trail EBT, debit and credit cards.