Portland, Ore., (June 24, 2026) – The Historic Portland Public Market dba James Beard Public Market and the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) have entered into a strategic partnership to increase access to nutrition education and promote healthier communities in Oregon.
The collaboration is part of the Market’s Nutrition for All initiative that will create free welcoming, hands-on learning experiences to help Oregonians cook, eat well, and feel more confident with food. NUNM is a recognized leader in both the integrative medicine and Food as Medicine space, making this a natural partnership.
The Programming pilot will begin later this summer with a kickoff event at NUNM’s new campus. Following the launch, free classes will be offered twice per month, with at least one held at NUNM’s Charlee’s Kitchen. The teaching kitchen has long housed NUNM’s Food as Medicine Everyday series and supports its nutrition degree programs.
The James Beard Public Market, set to open in 2027, will eventually serve as the primary home for the program, with a goal of offering weekly classes once the facility opens. Until then, the partners will build and refine the program through community-based events and classes in Portland, with plans to expand across the state over time.
NUNM will lead the education component, drawing on its Food as Medicine Everyday curriculum. Courses will be developed and taught by NUNM nutrition faculty and will focus on seasonal eating, practical skills, and everyday approaches to healthy meals. Programming will also highlight Oregon farmers, local products, and small food businesses.
Classes are being designed for a wide audience, including youth, families, and adults. The partners are also exploring opportunities to work with local schools and community organizations.
“At NUNM, we see food as a powerful tool for health, and this work allows us to share that in a way that is not only practical but also rooted in community needs,” said NUNM President Dr. Melanie Henriksen. “We are proud to partner with the James Beard Public Market to expand access to nutrition education across Oregon.”
“This is about making nutrition education more accessible and more relevant to people’s everyday lives,” said Jessica Elkan, Executive Director of the James Beard Public Market. “We are thrilled to partner with NUNM to bring their best class curriculum to this project, it truly is the perfect community pairing. Judiaann Woo, Nutrition for All Program Manager, will bring her decades of culinary expertise to this partnership.”
Together, NUNM and the James Beard Public Market are working to build a program that connects food, education, and community in a way that supports long-term health across Oregon.
The Nutrition for All Initiative is supported in part by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and its philanthropic arm, Cambia Health Foundation.
More details about upcoming classes and events will be shared via the James Beard Public Market website in the coming months.
About National University of Natural Medicine
The National University of Natural Medicine, founded in 1956, is the longest-standing accredited naturopathic medical school in North America. Located in Portland, Oregon, NUNM offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, nutrition, integrative health sciences, and research. The university is also home to NUNM Health Centers, a teaching clinic that provides accessible, patient-centered integrative primary care to the Portland community. Learn more at nunm.edu and nunmhealthcenters.com.
About The James Beard Public Market
Projected to open next year, the James Beard Public Market will be a community-focused space, dedicated to honoring the legacy of Portland-born James Beard by celebrating the best of Oregon’s food and culture. Located at 622 SW Alder Street in downtown Portland, the James Beard Public Market will include nearly 40 small businesses, and will encompass a teaching kitchen, event space, restaurant, bakery, fish market, butcher, cheese shop, wine merchant, local farm stalls, prepared foods, cookbook store, and fast casual dining. The Market will be a place where Oregonians and visitors alike can connect with local food producers, chefs, and artisans. For more information, please visit jamesbeardpublicmarket.com.