Article Title
The Lents International Farmer’s Market: A Case and Comparative Study
Abstract
The Lents neighborhood is a designated urban renewal area that has historically lacked access to ample grocery stores offering fresh produce. The Lents International Farmer’s Market enhances health and community by providing a community space to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Examining the Lents International Farmer’s Market is an invaluable opportunity to learn more about consumer shopping behavior and market expectations. This study also seeks to identify vendor opportunities and barriers when establishing themselves as retailers at Lents International Farmer’s Market. From both a business and consumer perspective, it is crucial for the market’s survival to gain a sense what is and is not working. Information obtained through customer surveys and structured vendor interviews could benefit the market and help secure its longevity in the Lents neighborhood. This market could also serve as a model to be replicated in other similar neighborhoods should it remain successful. Additionally, I will be comparing data from the Lents International Farmer’s Market to data collected from the more affluent Moreland Farmer’s Market, to compare information that comes from different demographic areas in Portland.