Looking back on this past year, I think we all can agree that it has had its fair share of challenges, most notably that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic back in March 2020, numerous businesses have had to shut down in order to comply with state lockdowns. Which unfortunately has led to many businesses staying closed or ultimately shutting down for good. Sometimes it almost seems like something out of a movie, it is hard to believe that such a thing has occurred. Yet, one thing that has become apparent since all these closures and is the need for Farmers Markets. Farmers Markets have been considered essential for a variety of reasons. They have always been a place for communities to come together to access fresh produce, support small farms and local businesses, and most importantly increase the access to food for low-income areas. They are a fundamental service that is more important than ever right now.
All across Oregon, various areas have recognized the importance of having outdoor markets that allow for a lower risk shopping option than your local grocery store. With that recognition, many have worked hard since the start of the pandemic to keep Farmers Markets up and running. The Oregon Farmers Markets Association along with a variety of other local markets have created various rules and guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of vendors and all those who attended.
In Fact, a few markets that have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of attendees and vendors happen to be some of our favorites: Hood River Farmers Market, Beaverton, and Rouge Valley Growers Market. Check out what they have done below and make sure to follow the links to their pages!
Farmers Market: Hood River
The Hood River Farmers Market in Oregon is currently open and operating under tight protocols. Despite the pandemic, governor Kate Brown has declared farmers markets essential, just like grocery stores. The Gorge Grown Food Network owns and operates the Hood River Farmers Market and is also a proud member of Oregon’s Farmers Market Association. For additional safety measures, the Hood River Farmers Market is in contact with other market managers operating under the new covid-19 protocols as well. Furthermore, there has been overwhelming support from the OHA and the city of Hood River.
The idea of a farmers market during this time is also quite essential and less stress-inducing because of the fresh open-air and significantly fewer people in the area. With fewer people, also means fewer hands touching fresh fruits and vegetables. As the need for local and nutritious food grows in the community, the Hood River Farmers Market’s food access has also increased. The market accepts SNAP EBT (food stamps) and provides an additional free $10 for customers who use their benefits. The Gorge Grown Food Network also believes that everyone deserves access to their local farmers and local food. That being said, community strength is needed because farmers and producers are struggling as restaurants temporarily close or limit their capacity.
The Hood River Farmers Market is currently open for the winter season (December – April) on the first and third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m located at Ferment Brewing Company, 403 Portway Avenue. For more information, please visit Gorge Grown Food Network.
Farmers Market: Beaverton
When the pandemic started, I was hesitant to go out – even to get groceries. The idea of going to an outdoor farmers market interested me though. So I checked out the farmers market in Beaverton, Oregon. They are operating on normal hours: 10-1:30 on Saturday mornings. What has changed since before the pandemic though, is that masks are mandatory (like every other public place in Oregon). The Beaverton Farmers Market has also offered a drive-through option where cars can drive by each booth and choose what they would like to purchase. This is an added convenience that began at the beginning of the pandemic, and they say is going to be kept even after it ends. They have also positioned booths in a way where social distancing is possible, and have one entrance and one exit. Each vendor is taking new protocols including wearing gloves, changing gloves in between handling cash and produce, and washing produce.
The Beaverton Farmers Market is an excellent alternative option to grocery stores, and with community support, local farms can continue to thrive and provide.
Farmers Market: Ashland/Medford
After the pandemic started and more people started struggling financially the Rogue Valley Growers Market started accepting SNAP EBT (food stamps). You are able to go to their welcome desk and swipe your EBT card to exchange those funds for coins to use with the different vendors. They have even included a deal that says for every dollar you spend you get two dollars of “Food Bucks” which is strictly for fruits and vegetables since some families have different priorities when shopping!
The Rogue Valley Growers Market has been going strong since 1987. They have overcome many obstacles thrown their way and are extremely dedicated to offering fresh and nutritious food to our community. Though they are currently closed for the winter season they are still active on their blog and plan to open again on March second. When they do reopen, their hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit Rogue Valley Growers Market.
Green Eats 