PROGRAM SUMMARIES
2023: HANDS ON WORKSHOPS at Montavilla FARMERS MARKET
Join us on this summer at Montavilla Farmers Market for Hands-On workshops where you can learn simple and versatile recipes that make the most of seasonal produce.
Dates and more info here.
2020-22: FARMERS MARKET peak SEASON RECIPE PROJECT
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic Farmers Markets had to postpone their in-person programming, so we created a Peak Season Recipe Project to inspire more cooking (and eating) of delicious local produce available in the markets. This was an all-volunteer run project inspired by our Cook First Manifesto.
We promoted recipes highlighting peak season produce at area Farmers Markets through a Quick Response Code (QRC) poster campaign. These were placed at area Farmers Markets featuring a “Peak Season Recipes” headline with a big QRC that was easy to capture.
We worked with area chefs, food artisans, and local food producers to bring recipes that took advantage of all of the incredible bounty we have access to in the Pacific Northwest, and to support those that are providing it.
During winter 2022 we collaborated with the Montavilla Farmers Market and in 2021 with Portland Farmers Market, to participate in the City of Portland Fix-It Fair. We presented Fixin’ to Cook Winter Vegetables, an online cooking demonstration series highlighting winter produce, root to leaf. Each demonstration included recipes, techniques, and resources to make getting more vegetables on the table easier. From January through March, we hosted bi-monthly live Q&As online and shared these presentations along with information about the Double Up Food Bucks program—which provides a SNAP match at the farmers markets. The presentations are archived on our YouTube channel.
2019-2020: Chew on this
Cook First Portland hosted Chew on This, a cooking article + podcast conversation group gathering over a potluck meal. Guests brought something to share along with the recipes. This was halted due to Covid; we hope to restart this series soon.
2019—ongoing: MARKET DISCOs, DEMOS, and SAlsA SALSA:
Cook First Portland will host more hands-on cooking events in collaboration with area farmers markets, Slow Food Portland, and others. These free events aim to raise awareness about ways to minimize food waste, eat seasonally, and support local farmers whenever possible, through hands-on quick cooking projects hosted in public settings. All are welcome and events are free.
POSTPONED: SPEAKER SERIES
Cook First Portland was scheduled to host a Farm Bill 101 Speaker Series in 2020; we hope to reignite this important program soon. The US Farm Bill is the most important legislation that most of us know next to nothing about, yet the US Farm Bill is one of THE most important pieces of legislation our Federal Government wrangles with, and eventually passes, approximately every five years. The Farm Bill impacts not only farmers but all of us as eaters. Cook First Portland aims to create a well-informed constituency in the region over the next couple of years, so when the Farm Bill comes up for drafting, discussion, and negotiations Portlanders are ready to participate in the conversation. We continue to support state legislation for Oregon farmers, most notably with our peers at Friends of Family Farmers.