Country Financial and Portland Farmers Markets Kick Off Second Reusable Bag Design Contest

‘Tis the season—farmers market season. To celebrate locally-grown fresh food, COUNTRY Financial and Portland Farmers Market will kick off the market season with a Reusable Bag Design Contest. 

Portland Public Schools (PPS) high school students will get the chance to display their artistic abilities and illustrate this year’s contest theme, “Fill Up On Fresh.” They are encouraged to include imagery inspired by farming, cityscapes, Portland landmarks and market goods such as locally-grown fruits, vegetables and flowers.  

The student with the winning design will have his or her artwork displayed on thousands of reusable canvas bags and receive a $1,000 scholarship. The reusable canvas bags will be distributed to shoppers at Portland Farmers Market events throughout the season. The bag contest will supplement initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling at market locations. 

Two runner-ups will also have their designs featured at the unveiling ceremony and will receive a $500 scholarship.  

The winning designs will be unveiled opening day of the King Portland Farmers Market on May 6. All three finalists will be invited to attend. 

Entries must be submitted to the address below by Monday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m. PST:

COUNTRY Financial

Farmers Market Competition

1500 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite 190 | Beaverton, OR 97006 

For more information, contact your school’s administration or visit www.CountryFarmersMarkets.com. 

COUNTRY Financial (http://www.countryfinancial.com) and its alliances serve about one million households and businesses throughout the United States.  Founded in 1925, COUNTRY has nearly 2,000 exclusive agents in 14 Midwestern and Western states who help clients protect what they have, save for a comfortable future, and achieve financial security. COUNTRY, headquartered in Bloomington, Ill., offers a full range of financial products and services from auto, home and life insurance to retirement planning services, investment management and annuities.

Founded in 1992, Portland Farmers Market operates vibrant farmers markets that contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, strengthen the food economy, and serve as community gathering places. The local 501(c)6 nonprofit employs five full-time and four part-time employees who manage six weekly farmers’ markets in the Portland area from March until December. The independently-run organization receives no ongoing support from government agencies. Up to 30,000 shoppers purchase farm-fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, seafood and other specialty foods from more than 250 vendors at the height of the season. In addition to operating markets, Portland Farmers Market also serves as an incubator for emerging businesses, a leader of the local food movement, a source of education, a culinary focal point in the community, a cultural destination complete with musical entertainment, and a billboard for Portland’s sustainability movement. To learn more about how Portland Farmers Market aims to grow, nourish and inspire the community, become a Twitter follower, Facebook fan, blog reader and visit www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.