My name is Liam McDonough, and this summer I am serving as a Prep Cook in the kitchen at Village Market here in Portland. The market is a program of Village Gardens, a healthy food access organization founded in North Portland, and now completely based in empowering New Columbia, the largest public housing development in Oregon, and a quick 5 minute drive from the million dollar houses that line Willamette Boulevard.
A picturesque, vibrant, and diverse community, many in New Columbia struggle with generational poverty and continued oppression. That said, New Columbia doesn’t feel defeated. I often feel like there is hope in the air, and a shared sense of budding opportunity. Above all, it is the only place I’ve been in Portland in which I feel an inherent, strong sense of comradery and connection.
“NOTHING bottom of the bag… We want our people to taste the best.”
This phrase was uttered by my boss, Charles, founder of the market, early on in my time there when he saw me putting broken chips in a packaged chili/chips combo. This statement perfectly encapsulates the mission I am aiding this summer. He repeats this message often in other words, but the theme remains constant: you are what you eat.
For far too long, poor people and People of Color have had their worth symbolically dictated to them through the often highly processed, low nutrient foods they have access to. When Charles and others began building the market, their goal was to disrupt this paradigm and put affordable, healthy, and fresh foods within walking distance of the community. With their discounts and ready supply of fresh produce, the market has done just that. Charles’ job is to take it a step further and make affordable grab & go items such as breakfast burritos, teriyaki bowls, curries, ribs, and more. However, he is a one-person operation in the kitchen, and without extra help, there is only so much he can do. One area where he seeks improvement is in sandwiches, a popular staple throughout the years at the market that he has not had the labor to make happen.
That’s where I come in. With kids out of school, it’s more important than ever to provide as much nutrition as possible for the market’s 400 daily customers, and sandwiches are an effective way to do that. While many days my work revolves around sandwiches, its also been great working on other recipes with Charles, learning from my co-workers, and engaging with members of this community tucked just around the corner from my school.
As of July 1st, Village Gardens is no longer connected to Janus Youth Programs, and will be their own community-based nonprofit seeking to better the lives of those who live in New Columbia. I highly suggest you check out their other programs I didn’t have time to mention, like the orchard and garden, and if you’re located in the area, please feel free to stop by Village Market and shop to support the organization and try out some of our specialties.