Beaverton Farmers Market Inc

OUR MISSION IS TO GIVE OUR COMMUNITY ACCESS TO A WIDE VARIETY OF FRESH, LOCAL, IN-SEASON FARM AND ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCTS DIRECT FROM THE PRODUCER, TO PROVIDE AN INFORMAL SOCIAL GATHERING PLACE IN AN OPEN-AIR SETTING, TO ENHANCE THE BEAVERTON COMMUNITY, AND TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL GROWERS AND ARTISAN FOOD MAKERS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH DIRECT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR MARKETS.

WE OPERATE A SATURDAY MARKET FEBRUARY THROUGH NOVEMBER. THE SATURDAY MARKET IS THE LARGEST EVENT IN THE CITY OF BEAVERTON MOST WEEKS, WITH THOUSANDS OF VISITORS. IT REMAINS THE COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE. WE WORK TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, AND TO IMPROVE DIRECT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES OF LOCAL FARMS AND FOOD PRODUCERS. IN SUPPORT OF THIS WE ACT AS A MARKET MAKER INSURING A VIBRANT MIX OF VENDORS AND PATRONS. WE OFFER FREE-TO-THE-PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AT THE MARKET REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (KIDS' MARKET SPROUTS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON EARLY EDUCATION OF HEALTHY EATING AND WE PROVIDE NON-VENDOR SPACES TO LOCAL NONPROFIT SERVICE ORIENTED ORGANIZATIONS), WE REQUIRE VENDORS TO ACCEPT STANDARD FEDERAL AND STATE FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, WE SUPPORT GLEANERS PROGRAMS COLLECTING UNSOLD FOOD DONATIONS FOR FOOD BANKS, WE SECURE AND MANAGE THE PHYSICAL MARKET SITE ON MARKET DAYS, AND WE CURATE A VENDOR LIST SELECTED TO DRIVE COMMUNITY ATTENDANCE ACROSS SEASONS AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUSES.

THE MARKET MANAGES A GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN HEART SOCIETY WHICH PROVIDES FUNDS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE IDENTIFIED AS "FOOD INSECURE" BY THE PORTLAND CLINIC. THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE GIVEN A VOUCHER WHICH THEY REDEEM AT THE MARKET FOR TOKENS, A FORM OF MARKET CURRENCY, WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO SHOP FOR FOOD WITH OUR VENDORS. WE ALSO MANAGE A GRANT FROM THE TUALATIN SOIL AND CONSERVATION DISTRICT, WHICH WE SUPPLEMENT WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS. BOTH MONIES ARE PUT INTO OUR VENDOR DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM. THIS GRANT PROVIDES FUNDS FOR APPLICANTS FROM OUR SMALL FARMS AND BUSINESSES FOR PROJECTS AND OR EQUIPMENT THAT WILL HELP THEM GROW THEIR BUSINESS. CAPITAL IS OFTEN IN SHORT SUPPLY FOR THESE START UP BUSINESSES. A GRANT THROUGH THIS PROGRAM OFTEN PROVIDES THE "LEG UP" THEY NEED TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS. THE MARKET ALSO PARTICIPATES IN THE DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES COUPONS THAT WILL MATCH UP TO 20 PURCHASED WITH A SNAP BENEFITS CARD. THE COUPONS ARE THEN USED TO BUY FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM OUR FARMERS.