Farmers Market Welcomes Pacific University Students
This year, we partnered with Pacific University to welcome students back to Forest Grove with a special Back to School Market on Wednesday, September 2. The Adelante Forest Grove Farmers Market extended onto the Pacific University lawn, creating a vibrant community gathering for Pacific’s approximately 2,000 students and the broader Forest Grove community.
Pacific University students moved into campus housing on August 28, and attended their first day of classes on August 31. Just days after classes began, the market offered students an opportunity to get to know their new community, meet local farmers and small businesses, and experience one of Forest Grove’s beloved community gatherings.
The expanded market featured more than 75 vendors, along with live music, lawn games, fresh produce, prepared food, clothing, community organizations, student clubs and more. The event brought together Pacific University students, local farmers, small businesses, artists, community organizations and Forest Grove residents for an evening of connection and celebration.
As part of the welcome, Pacific University students received free market tokens with proof of a current Pacific University ID. Students were also encouraged to bring an item to be block printed by local artist and market vendor, Maidens of the Pacific.
This collaboration grew from Adelante Mujeres’ commitment to being a good neighbor and strengthening relationships with local community resources, Main Street businesses, and Pacific University.
“Early adulthood is a unique time, and we want Pacific University students to know that the Forest Grove Farmers Market is for them, too,” said Jodi Monroy, Market Access Manager at Adelante Mujeres. “We hope this experience helps instill a lifelong desire to eat good food and support local farmers. At the same time, we want this relationship to be two-way. Students and Pacific University can participate in the market in many ways—as customers, vendors, performers, community partners and more.”
The September 2 market represents a new opportunity for Pacific University and Adelante Mujeres to deepen their connection with one another and with the broader Forest Grove community.
“It has been a pleasure to plan with Pacific University operations and administration folks and feel like we have deepened our relationship in meaningful ways,” Monroy said. “We are all very excited to see how this first attempt at deep collaboration between Pacific and the Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market is received, and we look forward to many future connections.”