The city of Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity has launched “Shop Around the World,” a program to spotlight and celebrate the diversity of ethnic grocers and diverse businesses in the Woodfords Corner neighborhood.
In collaboration with the Friends of Woodford Corner, the initiative will feature promotional tents at the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market for three local grocers, allowing them to showcase their products, share their stories and connect with the community.
The Aug. 15 farmers market featured vendor Ibrahim, who didn’t want to give his last name. Ibrahim started the Eritrean grocery and restaurant Foodie Friends, which is located at 630 Forest Ave. in Portland.
Ibrahim, an Eritrean native who has lived in the U.S. for 12 years, brings the rich flavors of Eritrea and the Middle East to the neighborhood. Foodie Friends offers an array of traditional and innovative dishes, including Middle Eastern goods, foods, sweets, a variety of drinks, ready-made food, sandwiches, catering, bread and pastries.
Eritrea is a one-party republic in eastern Africa, bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast.
The Portland Office of Economic Opportunity works to advance economic equity and vitality in the city’s diverse communities.
