History

It all started in 2005. A group of neighbors wanted to create a healthy, local food scene that was accessible to more people. A generous Westmoreland businessman provided seed money. Two more business owners donated the use of their small parking lot in the heart of the West Moreland neighborhood. An all-volunteer group worked all winter long, and in May of 2006, the Moreland Farmers Market (MFM) opened. It was immediately embraced by the neighborhood. The following year, the market needed more space. Wilhelm’s of Portland stepped forward and donated the use of their parking lot on SE 14th Street. The market has been there ever since.

Our mission is to create a neighborhood space where local farmers can sell their fresh produce, cheese, meat, fish, honey, baked goods, prepared food, cut flowers and plant starts (in the spring), a space that is readily accessible to all.

Goals

MFM provides several programs to help more people connect with healthy, local food.

• MFM added an EBT machine in 2008. This allows Oregon Trail Card users (aka SNAP) to spend their benefits on fresh food at the market.

• Sponsored by support within the community and the Farmers Market Fund, MFM will be offering a $10 SNAP match program. For every SNAP dollar spent (up to $10), the recipient gets another dollar to spend on fresh food at the market.

• A donation from Bob's Red Mill, along with help from other generous donors allows us to offer a Senior Nutrition program that includes additional access & funds for fresh fruits & vegetables, as well as nutritious grains & recipes.

Volunteers

We wouldn’t have a neighborhood farmers market without volunteers. Volunteers staff the MFM Welcome Booth. They help set up and take down the market; organize events like cooking demos, music and activities for kids; and promote the market by placing ads, managing the web site, and putting up posters. To find out more about volunteering, see our Become A Volunteer page.

BOARD

The Moreland Farmers Market has an all-volunteer board. The current Board of Directors includes:

• Allison Necheles

• Kristen Eberlin

• Jeff Gamer

• Kristin Kaufman, Secretary

• Michelle Rork, President

• Lisa Smillie

• Matt Wilkinson, Treasurer

MARKET MANAGER

Lannie Kali, as been a part of our market in many ways over the years. Volunteer, Intern, Vendor, and now in her second year as our Market Manager! 

She was raised on a farm in Grants Pass and spent 15 years after college as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence (In Portland, YWCA, Domestic Violence Resource Center etc.) Also, she has been a national LGBT rights advocate with The Center, San Diego and Love Makes A Family Portland and is a founder member of the Hillcrest Youth Center (for under served LGBT youth in San Diego) 

Lannie is the mother of two and a food activist! She was a founding member of the Lents food group, which led to the Lents Farmers Market. In 2011 she was named one of Portland’s"Top 10 in the Food Movement" by National Jewish Food Movement Tuv Ha'Aretz.