The markets run on volunteer help
From the manager's tent to gleaning at the end of the day, our markets need volunteers every weekend.
What volunteers do at the markets
- Market manager's tent — greet shoppers, run SNAP/EBT transactions, issue Bonus Bucks tokens, hand out market maps and program info.
- Bonus Bucks coordinator — track redemption, explain the program to first-time SNAP customers.
- Chef tent support — set up the demo, manage tastings, distribute recipe cards.
- Kids' programming — help with seasonal kids' workshops (tomato tasting, harvest crafts, etc.).
- Gleaning — at the end of the market day, walk the market collecting donated produce from farmers, sort it, and load it for transport to that week's food bank partner.
- Setup and breakdown — help producers set up tables and tents at 8am, or break down at 1pm.
How much time it takes
A typical shift is 3 to 5 hours on a market day — either a 8am-12pm morning shift, or a 10am-1:30pm shift that includes breakdown and gleaning. We're flexible. Some volunteers come every weekend, others come once a month, others sign up for one weekend a year.
Gleaning is a great short shift — usually just 45 minutes to an hour at the end of the market day, and you see directly where the food goes.
Why volunteer
Beyond the basic point of helping a community resource run, volunteering at the market is also a great way to: meet the producers and ask them about their farms, learn what's in season, get familiar with how SNAP and food access programs actually work in practice, and become part of the regulars.
Sign up
To start volunteering, email [email protected] with: which market you'd prefer (14&U Saturdays, Bloomingdale Sundays, or either), what kind of role interests you (manager's tent, gleaning, demos, etc.), and how often you're hoping to volunteer.
We'll connect you with the right team lead and get you on the schedule.