BY JASON E. KAPLAN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
There are more than 160 farmers markets in Oregon, contributing an estimated $50 million in sales, according to the Oregon Farmers Markets Association. We checked in on the Forest Grove market, which for several years has brought local produce and food vendors to Main Street in the center of town.
BY JASON E. KAPLAN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
There are more than 160 farmers markets in the state, contributing an estimated $50 million in sales, according to the Oregon Farmers Markets Association.
Adelante Mujeres, a nonprofit serving low income Latina women and one of 100 Best Green Workplaces, helped jump start the Forest Grove Farmers Market several years ago. Initially developed as an outlet for produce grown by Adelante clients, the market is now a weekly community event.
Arturo Castro stocks Hood Strawberries at the stall for Crawford’s Produce — a farm in Cornelius, Oregon.
Master Recycler Cecelia Warner explains to recycling and composting practices to market goers.
Programs at the Waste Center, such as supplying food venders with reusable dishes and silverware, have cut market waste by more than 90%.
Master Recyclers Cecelia Warner and Betty Benson volunteer their time each week at the Forest Grove Farmers Market to help reduce waste and spread the word about sustainable practices.
Norma and Nicolas Amaro graduated from Adelante Mujeres’ agriculture program in 2005. Now they own their own company and work full-time as farmers.
Adelante Mujeres help EBT dollars go further with “snack tokens” People who spend EBT benefits on fresh produce get matched for their first five dollars with dollar tokens enabling them to purchase more fresh food. This also puts additional money into the hand of local farmers.
