As food insecurity continues to rise and many public food programs shrink or disappear, reliable access to fresh, nourishing food has become harder to come by for a growing number of households.
That is where Zenger Farm plays an important role. Operating in Southeast Portland since the late 1990s, Zenger Farm is a working urban farm and education center focused on growing food, sharing knowledge, and reducing barriers to both.
The farm works closely with local schools, youth programs, and community organizations to offer hands-on education around farming, food systems, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Students and participants plant, harvest, cook, and build a deeper understanding of how food connects to health, culture, and land.
Alongside its education work, Zenger Farm operates a Community Supported Agriculture program that provides members with consistent access to seasonal produce grown directly on the farm. Weekly harvest boxes offer a dependable source of fresh vegetables and herbs, while flexible share options help meet different household needs.
Access is intentionally built into both the education and food programs. Income based pricing, SNAP and EBT acceptance, and partnerships with health clinics and community organizations help ensure that food and learning opportunities reach people across a wide range of incomes. Many CSA shares are distributed directly to families who might otherwise struggle to access fresh, locally grown food.
By pairing hands-on learning with consistent food access, Zenger Farm continues to support individual households while strengthening Portland’s broader food system at a time when that work matters more than ever.
Learn more at zengerfarm.org.