Here's some new photos of what's going on at La Esperanza Farm and the Forest Grove Farmers Market.
La Esperanza Farm
Weeds continue to be a challenge for many of the farmers, but the good news is that the warm weather has brought lots of growth for the crops as well. Right now everything is in its "green" stage- green tomatoes, green peppers, and lots of green leafy kale, chard, and lettuce. This week was the first week for one of the new farmers, Karina, to sell her crops at the farmers market.
Last week we also had a lovely harvesting and post-harvest handling class taught by Anne Berblinger of Gales Meadow Farm. The farmers and Adelante staff learned a lot about when to best harvest produce and how to store it after harvesting to keep it fresh for customers.
I've spent a lot of time on the farm in the past week to help with the various volunteer groups that have been joining us to help weed and do other farm tasks. It's been really enjoyable for me to help with the weeding and planting- farming is one thing I miss a lot during the school year.
Forest Grove Farmers Market
We celebrated First Wednesday on the second Wednesday of July (as we had no market on the 4th), filling up main street not just with agricultural vendors but also with other small local businesses. The market continues to be happily busy with the Market Sprouts Kids Club and the start of summer produce. Remember also that EBT and WIC recipients can use their Oregon Trail Card or WIC checks and can double up to $10, a great program to stretch federal benefits (and to spend on tasty, fresh, local produce).
Most of my time has been dedicated to helping staff the information booth, where I help administer tokens for the EBT and WIC programs. I also help explain the incentive program, Market Sprouts program, how to apply to become a vendor, and other general questions about the market.
P.S. An update on my internship- I'm heading back to Ohio on July 25th, and only have a few days of work left before then as I will also be heading to Eugene for my two-day "vacation". I'll post a few more entries before then and a final reflection. I'll be sad to leave Adelante Mujeres, I've loved going to work every single day!
La Esperanza Farm
Weeds continue to be a challenge for many of the farmers, but the good news is that the warm weather has brought lots of growth for the crops as well. Right now everything is in its "green" stage- green tomatoes, green peppers, and lots of green leafy kale, chard, and lettuce. This week was the first week for one of the new farmers, Karina, to sell her crops at the farmers market.
Last week we also had a lovely harvesting and post-harvest handling class taught by Anne Berblinger of Gales Meadow Farm. The farmers and Adelante staff learned a lot about when to best harvest produce and how to store it after harvesting to keep it fresh for customers.
I've spent a lot of time on the farm in the past week to help with the various volunteer groups that have been joining us to help weed and do other farm tasks. It's been really enjoyable for me to help with the weeding and planting- farming is one thing I miss a lot during the school year.
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| Anne Berblinger teaching about harvesting and handling lettuce. |
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| Green tomatoes |
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| Salad mix |
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| Chiles are a popular crop on the farm. |
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| Filling up the irrigation tank from Gales Creek water. |
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| Harvesting butter lettuce. |
Forest Grove Farmers Market
We celebrated First Wednesday on the second Wednesday of July (as we had no market on the 4th), filling up main street not just with agricultural vendors but also with other small local businesses. The market continues to be happily busy with the Market Sprouts Kids Club and the start of summer produce. Remember also that EBT and WIC recipients can use their Oregon Trail Card or WIC checks and can double up to $10, a great program to stretch federal benefits (and to spend on tasty, fresh, local produce).
Most of my time has been dedicated to helping staff the information booth, where I help administer tokens for the EBT and WIC programs. I also help explain the incentive program, Market Sprouts program, how to apply to become a vendor, and other general questions about the market.
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| Sabino of Amaro's produce with onions, radishes, and popular Mexican herbs. |
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| Kohlrabi from N & N Amaro. |
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| Sandro of Crawford's Nursery with a wide variety of berries. |
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| Unger Farms sells berries at markets throughout Portland. |
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| Anne (Adelante Agricultura staff member) and Karina (a graduate of the sustainable agriculture program) sell Karina's produce at the market for the first time. |
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| Pies for Peace sells pies to fundraise for non-profits. |
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| Terrapin Pastries sells tasty gluten-free baked goods. |
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| Tasting different market produce at the Market Sprouts booth. |
P.S. An update on my internship- I'm heading back to Ohio on July 25th, and only have a few days of work left before then as I will also be heading to Eugene for my two-day "vacation". I'll post a few more entries before then and a final reflection. I'll be sad to leave Adelante Mujeres, I've loved going to work every single day!
How wonderful to be able to say "I've loved going to work every single day!" So glad you've had such a rich and rewarding experience with Adelante Mujeres. I am very sure you will be very missed as well. Thanks for all the great pictures and updates on the important work being done by so many. Looking forward to seeing you back in Ohio! Maybe you could share your summer experience with us at a Vegan Meal this fall! :)
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