Food stamp tokens issued by Gorge Grown allow those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to double or triple their benefit money at farmers markets in Hood River, Odell, White Salmon, The Dalles and Stevenson.
Nathan Wilson photoHOOD RIVER — Hood River Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 2, marking the 20th anniversary of the nonprofit Gorge Grown Food Network, a cornerstone of the region’s local food system.
The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fifth and Columbia parking lot, across from Full Sail Brewing. Free parking is available on the west side of the lot, anywhere west of Seventh Street, as well as on Wasco Street.
Shoppers can expect a vibrant selection of farm-fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, baked goods, beverages, meat, and line-caught fish, alongside hand-crafted goods from local artisans. While the market centers on food, it also celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of the Gorge community.
Hood River Farmers Market offers a direct connection to local farms, with most products traveling less than 10 miles to reach customers, compared to an average of 1,500 miles for grocery store produce. Much of the produce is harvested just hours before the market opens, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
The market is committed to food access for all. Shoppers with SNAP EBT can receive up to $40 in extra matching funds, tripling their purchasing power for fresh, local foods. SNAP and Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) are accepted from any state. The market also welcomes Oregon WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. In addition, the first 20 children to visit the market each week receive free tokens to spend on fruits or vegetables. To donate to this program go to www.gorgegrown.com.
Gorge Grown Food Network’s mission is to build a resilient local food system that improves community health and well-being. The organization began in 2006 when Gorge Grown launched its first farmers market with an average of just nine vendors participating.
Today, the Hood River Farmers Market hosts more than 60 vendors each week during peak season and generates over $1.5 million annually for the farmers, producers and the local economy. The 2025 season was the most successful to date, and continued growth is anticipated in 2026.
Since 2006, Gorge Grown has expanded its reach to run a suite of interrelated programs to build a resilient, inclusive food system that improves the health and well-being of the community. Projects include the Tribal Food Sovereignty Initiative, Columbia Gorge Gleaning, Mercado del Valle and others.
For more information, visit www.gorgegrown.com.
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