About the Farm

Learn more about our mission, values, and vision.

Our Mission

We are a nonprofit urban and organic farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all.

Our Vision

We envision a just food system that dismantles the root causes of systemic inequity – racism, colonialism, and other systems of oppression – by fostering lasting connections between people, food, and the environment.

Our Values

The following values are central to our mission and guide our work:

We work to build a climate resilient, just food system that dismantles racism in our communities and centers indigenous sovereignty.

We nourish people at Zenger Farm, using food and farming to foster community health, connections, and strength.

We steward the land and resources in Zenger Farm’s care to secure our collective future, address climate crisis, and connect people to food and nature.

We respect the many ways of knowing that already exist within Zenger Farm’s community and honor traditions, cultural practices, and other forms of education that increase our collective strength.

2022-2025 Strategic Plan

At Zenger Farm we believe that communities thrive when people have a direct connection to their food and where it grows.

The City of Portland entrusts our organization to care for the 24-acres of farm and wetland that make up Zenger Farm. Located in Powellhurst-Gilbert, our neighborhood is one of the most ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse areas in Oregon. Alongside our vibrant community, we continue to bring diverse folks together to access nourishing food, connect with resources, and participate in food and farming education while growing together.

As we wrapped up our prior strategic plan, the challenges our world faced were daunting. In the midst of climate crisis realities, an ongoing global pandemic, and powerful racial justice uprising, the existing cracks in our food system became undeniable. At the same time we’ve experienced incredible generosity, seeing people connect more powerfully than ever around the importance of investing in our local food systems.

As we begin our next strategic plan, we continue to build a movement for food sovereignty, fostering a just local food system where folks connect to sustainably grown, culturally-appropriate produce, and community-based education. None of this is possible without your involvement. Thank you for all you’ve helped us achieve and for supporting our thriving community.

With gratitude,
Zenger Staff and Board

Annual Reports