The vibrant colors, fresh tastes and mouth-watering smells of the farmers market are captivating, but the experience as a whole can be a bit overwhelming. It’s easy to find yourself back in your kitchen wondering how to bring the ingredients you purchased together into a meal.  

The Family and Community Health (FCH) program and the Oregon City Farmers Market have teamed up to solve that dilemma by offering Market tours and food demonstrations. Shoppers meet local farmers, learn about their farms and farming practices and sample fresh produce during the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” tour led by Kelly Streit, Registered Dietitian, and Instructor with the FCH program.  

Cost can be a big factor in food purchasing decisions, especially for low-income shoppers, but the OSU Extension Service, SNAP-To-It! program is making the farmers market accessible to everyone. In 2018, SNAP offered up to $11 in additional food benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families shopping at the market on select days. 

“People that probably would not normally come to the farmers market are getting involved in these programs and learning about good food, which builds community,” says Anna Wilson from Brown Bottle Farm in Mulino.

Following the Market tour, shoppers watched a recipe demonstration using a FoodHero.org recipe and seasonal ingredients sourced at the market.