Friday Work Party at Zenger Farm

C and I signed up to attend a Friday afternoon work party at Zenger Farm through the Hands On Greater Portland website. We were excited to learn more about locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables, and the role that the farm plays in educating folks about urban farming.

Zenger Farm is the only urban farm within Portland city limits, and has been in operation since 1999. Produce from the farm is shared with community members through a farm share program. Fruits and vegetables harvested at the farm are sold at the Lents International Farmers Market, open in the summer through October 28. Given the diversity of households in outer Southeast Portland, it's quite fitting that the Lents market is Portland's only internationally focused market, providing fresh, affordable, and culturally unique produce, while also offering a unique marketing opportunity for immigrant and emerging farmers and new business owners.

We very much enjoyed our volunteer tasks at the Friday work party: pulling weeds from the kale and beets grow. During the farm tour, we learned that Zenger Farm has dedicated a plot of land to be used by the Lao community to grow vegetables native to southeast Asia.

Zenger Farm hosts work parties from 2-4pm every Friday, from March through November. A tour of the farm is offered at 4pm for those interested learning more about the farm's offerings. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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