Ant Farm, the nonprofit with Brightwood roots and now based in Sandy, had a
vested interest in a farmers market since it started a garden nearly four years
ago, seeing a market as a way to give the youth it helps the chance to
understand what it takes to get produce in the hands of customers. Last year,
the organization was at the helm of the Mount Hood Farmers Market,
operating with no budget, and this year, the market returns bigger and better.

Nunpa, Ant Farm’s executive director and founder, noted this year the market
features more vendors, music and special events, while also participating in
the Power of Produce program, helping kids make healthy eating choices, and
the Double Up Food Bucks program, offering twice the amount of vegetables
for those using Oregon Trail Card SNAP dollars.

“We’re really stepping into offering everything (people) want,” Nunpa said,
adding the produce has expanded.

One of the new vendors is mountain resident Kayla Diggins, who quit her job
as a bartender and now creates wood burned art, including bird feeders and
planter boxes. This is her first summer participating in farmers markets, and
even on her first day at the Mount Hood Farmers Market, she was pleased.

“I’d rather be closer to home and I’ve already seen a ton of people I know,”
Diggins said.

Nunpa hopes that with the added attractions this year, the market attracts
more people.

“We really want to put that invitation out there,” he said.

The Mount Hood Farmers Market will be held every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3
p.m., through Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Ant Farm Outdoor Building, 38600
Proctor Blvd. in Sandy (located between Dairy Queen and the Big Apple).

Market gift cards are also available at the market or at Ant Farm’s cafe, 39140
Proctor Blvd. in Sandy. For more information, please visit
mounthoodfarmersmarket.org.