About

Mission

The Wallowa County Farmers’ Market Association is a nonprofit corporation established to serve as a marketplace to provide fresh, local food and unique arts and crafts in support of community, local agriculture, and small businesses.

• To promote local, fresh farm products grown and produced in Wallowa County, neighboring counties, and throughout Oregon.
• To provide a community gathering place supportive of local entrepreneurs.

Policy

The WCFM welcomes all persons, including applicants and employees, to the market regardless of age, gender, gender identity, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. Any action that is not in keeping with a welcoming environment (assault, harassment, and intimidation) will not be tolerated by the organization. Any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the market manager and/or board. Any person exhibiting behavior that is unwelcoming will be asked to leave the market immediately. Any vendor who exhibits unwelcoming behavior may be suspended or banned from the market, at the discretion of the market manager.

History

The first market was held in front of the old Wildflower Bakery in Joseph with just three vendors. In 2006, to accommodate more vendors and increase visibility, the Joseph market moved location to the lawn in front of To Zion by Joseph and Main Streets. The Enterprise market was also started in 2006, initially on Wednesday afternoons on the Courthouse lawn. In 2007, the Enterprise market changed to Thursday afternoons to coordinate with the Courthouse Concert series sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance. As the Joseph market grew, it again moved to its current location on Joseph Street between the Baptist church and City Hall in 2009. In 2010, the WCFM became an official non-profit registered with the State of Oregon and hired its first staff person, a part-time market manager, transitioning the market away from being entirely volunteer driven. Although the market still relies on volunteers to assist with special events and fundraising, it has greatly benefited from having a paid staff person to oversee market activities and publicity as well as vendor recruitment.

The Wallowa County Farmers' Market (WCFM) was started in 2002 to meet the ever-increasing supply of and demand for local food and artisan products in Wallowa County.

Board & Staff

Pi Paerels,, President

Emily Garland Vice President

Heidi Wilson, Treasurer

Anne Robinson, Secretary

Terra Leven

Jonny Sanchez

Becky Wayland

Mac Freeborn

Dionne Vali

Avery Stanton

WCFM BOARD 2024

Jessica Bogard, Market Manager

SNAP, WIC, FDNP, Veggie Rx

Did you know that we accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Farm Direct Nutrition Program and Veggie Rx at the Wallowa County Farmers’ Market?

Because of some grant funding we’ve received, we also offer SNAP Match, which can double the amount you’re able to spend on fresh produce on Saturdays (up to $20 per market per card). Come to the market info booth to learn more, or ask a vendor.