Hoodland Farmers Market opens for season on May 18

Continuing its mission to provide fresh produce (as well as locally sourced handmade items) to the communities on Mount Hood, the Hoodland Farmers Market will return Saturday, May 18.

The market will run Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church on the Mountain, 68211 E. Highway 26, Welches. The last market is Saturday, Oct. 19.

So far about a dozen vendors have applied. Applications are still accepted throughout the season and you don’t have to commit to every weekend to vend.

“I think that’s what’s cool about our market: it is pretty low stakes,” Market Manager Kate Brauner explained. “We have low vendor fees and it’s a really mellow environment; it’s not hectic. So as a first market for small businesses trying to step into something new or a family trying to generate supplemental income, we’re a really good starting place. I also just want the community to grow and be sustaining for the vendors.”

Of those already signed up there is a good balance of farms, natural medicinal items, crafts and artwork. Brauner said they also will have someone serving up hot food this year, such as grilled cheese sandwiches using fresh market produce.

The market will also feature kids activities and live music. And for the second year, the market will be partnering with the Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows those who receive SNAP benefits to double their benefits and purchase farm fresh products. “If you spend $20 of your SNAP dollars at a participating farmers market, we will give you another $20 to buy more locally grown fruits and vegetables,” according to the Double Up Food Bucks website.

The Hoodland Farmers Market is all about accessibility, in terms of making the market experience itself accessible to vendors and making healthy food accessible to the community.

“I’m really trying to get more people to come out who maybe don’t think that they can afford the market,” Brauner explained.

Brauner also has some special events planned, such as an emergency preparedness day in partnership with the Church on the Mountain in September, and a youth market that will allow young artisans to vend for free.

“I feel like that’s something unique to our market that we’re trying to foster,” Brauner said. “We want to encourage young entrepreneurs, but also just community building and empowering youth.”

The Hoodland Farmers Market is a nonprofit market and as such runs on the generosity and talents of volunteers. The market is always welcoming of volunteers and supporters, and those interested in serving can email hoodlandfarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit the website’s “Get Involved” page at hoodlandfarmersmarket.org/get-involved .

Currently they are especially looking for someone with the skillset to coordinate volunteers.

For more information about the market in general, visit hoodlandfarmersmarket.org .