SNAP is accepted at all of our markets. Shemanski Park, King, Kenton and Lents International farmers markets offer Double Up Food Bucks SNAP match.
Take Action to Increase Access to Fresh Produce
Portland Farmers Market believes everybody deserves access to fresh, local produce, which is why we’ve offered the Double Up Food Bucks program at our farmers markets since 2012. Double Up provides a dollar-for-dollar match to shoppers using SNAP benefits, so they can bring home twice as many fruits and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks make a big difference for the farmers at our markets, too.
Elan Hagans of Temptress Truffles explains, “With Double Up Food Bucks, I’m able to introduce people to food they would otherwise never be able to try. It’s really nice to have those dollars go to me–a Black business owner–and also be able to introduce my foods to other cultures!”
Today, 1 in 5 Oregonians face food insecurity, the highest level in a century. Demand for Double Up has skyrocketed as a result of the pandemic. Our partners at Farmers Market Fund have launched Senate Bill 555, which would provide stable funding support Double Up Food Bucks at 65 farmers markets across Oregon.
Market Scouts provides fun educational activities plus $3 for kids 3 to 12 years old to spend at the market each week, allowing them to act as participants in the local food economy and engage in making healthy food choices for themselves.
Slow Food Portland is currently fundraising for the 2021 Market Scouts season! This season Market Scouts will be traveling the globe. Each month focusing on foods from different regions of the world (that are also in season in locally). Weekly activities will guide kids to explore through tactile experiences, conversations with farmers, creative expressions, and inspiring recipes.
We invite you to become a Friend of Market Scouts! Your contribution of any amount helps send more fruits and veggies home with families, and increase the sales for the farmers at LIFM. Slow Food Portland is an all volunteer-run organization, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the Market Scouts program.
Do you love shopping in the Park Blocks, but want to avoid the crowds? Shop on Wednesdays!
Centrally located on the South Park Blocks, Shemanski Park Farmers Market is convenient for work-from-home lunch breaks and mid-week stocking up on farm-fresh and locally-made food. Under a lush green canopy of trees, Shemanski Park will feature up to 42 vendor stalls weekly and provide SNAP match through the Double Up Food Bucks program. Find us Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at SW Park & Main.
Masks Still Required
On May 18, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released updated guidance about mask and physical distancing requirements for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“In public settings where vaccination status is not checked, masks will still be required.”
Thank you in advance for continuing to wear a mask at the farmers market, as our staff will not be verifying vaccination status. Read Portland Farmers Market’s full COVID safety guidelines on our website. Your efforts to make your essential grocery trip safer for everyone are appreciated!
Talking About Food Justice
Staff at PFM and Farmers Market Fund have teamed up for a monthly discussion club to learn about anti-racism, historic disparities in food and farming, and the current food justice movement. This is part of moving our equity and food justice work forward. It’s opened our thinking about policies and practices. Here’s what we read and a link to the trainings we attended last month to better serve the community:
