Local Farmers' Markets Encourage Latino Shoppers to Take a Tour

This summer, local farmers' markets are inviting Latino shoppers to take a tour of their locally produced, fresh and healthy food. The tour, part of the That’s My Farmer Tours program, focuses on how to shop for locally available fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains on a small budget. Tour guides will also discuss the differences between food production methods such as certified organic and pesticide-free, and demonstrate how shoppers can use their Oregon Trail card to spend SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps) at the market.

The first tour is on June 29th at 10am at the Newport Farmer’s Market. Several local organizations will be leading Spanish-language tours of the market for low-income, primarily Spanish-speaking shoppers. The first 25 tour participants who register will receive a $10 coupon to spend on fresh, healthy foods at the market, as well as a packet of recipes using inexpensive seasonal foods. Gerardo Calderon will be performing traditional Latino American music and children who complete a farmers’ market treasure hunt will receive a prize.

Space is limited, so anyone interested is encouraged to arrive early or email dan@tenriversfoodweb.org. The event is sponsored by Food Share of Lincoln County, Lincoln County Small Farmers Association, OSU Extension, and Ten Rivers Food Web.

Tours at farmers' markets in Albany and Corvallis will be scheduled soon for later this summer.

Through Ten Rivers Food Web’s That’s My Farmer SNAP program, shoppers who spend at least $6 of their SNAP benefits at the market will also receive an extra $6 to spend with local farmers. This SNAP “match” is funded by both lemonade sales from The Lemonade Project booth at the Newport Farmers’ Market and individual donations.

The That’s My Farmer Tours and SNAP programs help put more fresh fruits and vegetables on family tables and more money into the local agricultural economy. Total SNAP spending in Lincoln County amounts to an estimated $15 million annually. Hunger is a pressing issue in this area. In Lincoln County, nearly 10,000 people rely on SNAP benefits each month to feed themselves and their families. 33% of children are on SNAP, far outpacing the national average.

The Newport Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9am to 1pm until October 26. It is located outside of Newport City Hall off of Hwy 101, one block South of Hwy 20.

For more information, visit www.tenriversfoodweb.org or e-mail Dan Blaustein-Rejto at dan@tenriversfoodweb.org. He can also be reached at 541-224-7641.