It’s pleases me to no end to tell you that the 2025 Rocky Butte Farmers Market season is almost upon us. It starts this Saturday, May 24—just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend!
Where Is the RBFM This Year and What Will They Offer?
The Market is returning to the same location they were at last year, which has proven to be a great fit for them—NE Siskiyou Street, between 79th and 81st Avenues. They will have more than 20 vendors, the Community Table vendors, food demos, and educational programming. And, they have added a new program—a food-sharing initiative called pahtl o’-pe-kwan in Chinuk Wawa—which translates to “Full Basket” in English.
More on Pahtl O’-Pe-Kwan
This program is led by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and implemented at the Rocky Butte, Cully, and Woodlawn farmers markets. The program provides $50 in weekly tokens to market patrons who are receiving supplemental government assistance (and who can show proof of said support), which can be used to purchase fresh produce, meat, eggs, fish, honey, and more at the three markets.
Wondering if you are eligible for this program? Check out this Instagram slide, which lists the services that allow you to participate. Some programs you may be familiar with are Double Up Food Bucks; Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); The Oregon Health Plan (OHP)/ Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
“This initiative comes at a critical time, as tariffs are driving up the cost of imported goods nationwide,” states the RBFM organizers. “And with the potential for shortages looming, building community and increasing access to fresh, local food is more important than ever. This program will help take care of our Portland neighbors who need assistance through this uncertain period.”
SNAP’s State of Health
You may be aware that Congress is considering a $300 billion cut to SNAP in the next budget. Essentially, it would shift costs of this program to the states. It is one of America’s most effective anti-hunger programs—1 in 6 Oregonians are helped by SNAP.
If you feel so inclined, and do not wish Congress to cut federal aid for SNAP, you can contact your elected officials here to express your thoughts on the issue (thanks to the folks at PNW CSA for the link).
Additional Affordability Options
Aside from pahtl o’-pe-kwan, there’s the aformentioned Double Up Food Bucks, where SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power. They will be matched up to $20 per visit through this program. SNAP eligibility screenings through Hunger-Free Oregon will also be available.
If you arrive by bus or bike, you get $5 shopping token (courtesy of a Metro RTC grant).
Each week the Rocky Butte Farmers Market collects excess food from vendors and donates it directly to Mainspring, a local food and clothing pantry on NE 82nd Avenue and Fremont Street. This keeps high-quality, locally grown produce within the community and ensures that everyone has access to fresh, seasonal food, regardless of income.
Also, you can pick up a free COVID test (it’s still doing its annoying thing) and naloxone at the market, a way to support good public health in the community.
Veg-Education at the 2025 Rocky Butte Farmers Market
Veg-Education is a newcomer to the Rocky Butte Farmers Market this season. This involves food and live-cooking demos in collaboration with high school students in McDaniel High School’s Sustainable Agriculture CTE Program.
They will focus on lesser-known, in-season produce (hello, kohlrabi?) and help educate shoppers on how to use these items in their meals at home. The students have tested recipes, they’ve put together an educational zine, collected storage and preparation tips to reduce food waste, and a social media campaign.
Opening Day Activities
On the first day of the 2025 season, you have this to look forward to:
- Live Music by popular local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen.
- Community Educator Caitlyn Whitcomb will launch the season’s Kids’ Booth activities. Early birds have the best chance of getting a $5 kids token to spend at the market.
- Roseway Prepares will be spreading awareness of NET (Neighborhood Emergency Team) at the market’s non-profit booth.
- A representative from Multnomah County will be at the market to distribute free Narcan and provide training/answer questions.
From the organizers, the statement below sums up the Rocky Butte Farmers Market, and I’m really proud to see how far they have come—from the concept in 2019, to pop-ups at Dharma Rain Zen Center, to time atop the Rocky Butte at Mannahouse, to their current location on NE Siskiyou:
“More than just a market, Rocky Butte Farmers Market strives to be an impactful community resource—collaborating with neighboring food pantries, nonprofits, and gardens to provide services to underserved community members, increase access to education and food security, and positively impact the ecology, health, and overall community well-being.”
See you at the market on Saturday!
2025 Rocky Butte Farmers Market Season
Saturdays, May 24 to October 25, 2025
9am to 1pm
NE Siskiyou Street, between 79th and 81st Avenues
Rocky Butte Farmers Market website | Instagram | Facebook
Updated May 23, 2025.
Meg Cotner
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