PHILOMATH FARMERS MARKET A BOUNTY OF GIVING

by

Helen M. Davis

Philomath, Greek for “Lover of Learning” is nestled comfortably at the base of Mary’s Peak, the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range and boasts a population of nearly 6,000. It was named after Philomath College, which was founded in 1867 by the United Brethren Church. In 1882, the small city was incorporated and, after a severe drop in enrollment, the college was shuttered in 1929.

Those who reside in Philomath take immense pride in a history rooted in hard work and education. Nowhere is that more evident than the Philomath Farmer’s Market. It was in 2019 that a conversation was begun with Philomath Community Services regarding what was originally called the “Philomath Community Market,” which would theoretically act as both a fundraiser and a community service. The city had witnessed two grocery stores come and go. In the meantime, people has become better educated about the need for sustainable agriculture. Residents desired access for fresh produce. It was time for a market. In early 2020, the nonprofit Bountiful Backyard was entrusted with the idea as it was better able to bring it to fruition due to the strong connections it had forged with farmers along with a long-time interest in establishing a farmers’ market in Philomath.

Taking the reins, Bountiful developed a steering committee for 2020 that was comprised of representatives from PCS, the city, Oregon State University Small Farms Program, Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets and a number of farmers. From this collaboration emerged the rudimentary design of a hometown market along with its official name.

Now, three years later, the Philomath Farmer’s Market is a Sunday staple from May to October, and it has decided it’s time to give back, says Janel Lajoye, Vice President.

Most recently, the farmers’ market has come into possession of a wood fired mud pizza oven. Constructed by Kiko Denzer, this is the first mobile unit of the many he has made. Positioned on a trailer, the oven is taken to the market and every time it is fired up, a portion of the proceeds go back to the city of Philomath. After the market closes, the pizza oven is then taken to Music in the Park where proceeds go towards the Philomath Performing Arts Fund and it has also found its way to the parking lot at the Philomath Community Library, the police department and city hall. On August 19th, the oven will be at Willamette Grange for the 100th birthday celebration and has helped to feed those who are hungry at the Tyee Winery’s event for CASA, short for Court Appointed Special Advocates. All pizzas are made from scratch for that extra touch.

This is not the only way the farmers’ market is making its mark in giving back as they focus on aiding the community. When teachers in the Philomath School District had to spend extra days in the classroom last spring due to the previous winter’s snows, the farmers’ market in partnership with Hiatt Farm and Bakery, Timbertown Coffee, Pheasant Court Winery, and Philomath Chamber of Commerce, provided a bounteous meal on the last day that consisted of pizza, watermelon, salad, and beverages. All told, 85 teachers and staff got to partake in the feast, which was greatly appreciated.

At the Farmer’s Market itself, each week shoppers with SNAP cards can run them for any amount and then receive tokens that can be used for any items such as handmade bread, jam, pickles, cakes, and beverages. The Farmers’ Market will each week match SNAP purchases up to $20 with Double Up Food Bucks that can be spent with any vendor to purchase fresh, local fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetable starts. Everyone is welcome to come to the market information booth and receive $20 in ‘Sunbacks,’ Sunbow Produce currency that can be used at their booth for wonderful, fresh, organic produce.

Lajoye says the market is all about building community in a small city. This giving back is something the market has wanted to do for a long time and things are now coming together. All are welcome at the Philomath Farmer’s Market and if you time it right, you might also get the chance to mingle with members of the city council, as well as the mayor, who venture forth to mingle with constituents. It’s a community that is all about community and in the process of giving, they are providing access to fresh produce that is so greatly needed. The Philomath Farmers’ Market is making a name for itself and other markets in larger towns could take a lesson from its philanthropic mission. They said ‘we can do this,’ and they did.

The Philomath Farmers’ Market is located at 1050 Applegate Street and is open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May until October.