Volunteering

Ready to Go?
We've got specific needs for help in addition to the positions listed below. Get in touch with us if you have time and energy to contribute to the markets!
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Looking for Info About Volunteering? Read on...
Want to get more involved with the Vancouver Farmers Markets?
 It takes a lot of hands to pull off successful markets every week and we're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us out. Here's how to get involved:

1. Check out our weekly and occasional volunteer opportunities to see if there's a position that meets your schedule and passion.

2. Fill out our online Volunteer Information Form and we'll get in touch with you about our next volunteer orientation.

3. For any additional questions or suggestions, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@eatlocal.org
Weekly Opportunities:

Market Host
Every market has one person who is our go-to market host. They get to know the community, the vendors and the shoppers. Whether it is helping shoppers find where the kohlrabi is, relieving (literally) the vendors for a restroom break, selling raffle tickets, or talking to shoppers about upcoming events - the host is the volunteer with the most. We ask that Market Hosts arrive 15 minutes early to see who is at the market and what is new that day. **We ask that Market Hosts commit to working two market days per month at one market location for the entire season.

Bike Valet Attendants (Kitsilano only)
We offer a free bike valet parking service at the Kitsilano Farmers Market to encourage shoppers to bike rather than drive to the market. Attendants park bikes, give out valet numbers and keep watch while patrons shop. This is a fun activity (bring a friend!) which involves a little lifting and standing for extended periods. **We ask that Bike Valet Attendants commit to working two market days per month at Kitsilano for the entire season (June to October).

Green Market Ambassador (West End only)
The Vancouver Farmers Markets are committed to environmental sustainability and have partnered with the Recycling Alternative to connect patrons with out-of-blue-box recycling and organics drop-off service at our West End Farmers Market. Ambassadors educate patrons about recycling, organic collection and composting, make sure the markets are recycling correctly, and solicit community feedback. **We ask that Green Market Ambassadors commit to working two market days per month at the West End for the entire season (May to October)

Community Host (Trout Lake only)
At our location at the North Parking lot of John Hendry Park (Trout Lake), market goers stream in from all directions and many of them aren't aware of things like our Grocery Valet, Market Money, where to lock their bikes, etc. Community Hosts are stationed close to the market at one of the entrance ways. They will be armed with information, a flashy vest, a smile and the gift of gab. They will greet people and offer information, move a plastic barricade every once and a while to let local traffic in and out and make sure non-residents are not parking in the immediate area. **We ask that Community Hosts to commit to working two market days per month at Trout Lake for the entire season (May to October).

Grocery Valet Attendant (Trout Lake only)
Since the Trout Lake Farmers Market moved to the North Parking Lot at John Hendry Park, shoppers have had to come up with creative ways of getting their groceries to their vehicles – so we've come up with one for them! Attendants check-in at the red tent, greet shoppers in need of a hand, and offer old-fashioned service with an fresh, outdoor twist. This is a fun position which involves a little lifting and a friendly smile. **We ask that Grocery Valet Attendants commit to working two market days per month at Trout Lake for the entire season (May to October).

Occasional and Ongoing Opportunities:

Communications & Outreach
Community Events: Each year we attend several community events with a table full of information about the markets to share with an interested public. We need help staffing these events throughout the year. If you are passionate about what the markets bring to our community, interested in community outreach and like talking to people, this could be for you. **We ask that our Community Outreach Representatives commit to working a minimum of two outreach events during the year.

Postering and Marketing Campaigns: Help with everything from delivery of flyers and leaflets to market surveys. We are always looking for new ideas for getting the word out about our Farmers Markets. If you have expertise in this area, need to fulfill a university volunteer requirement or would just like to give us a hand with our current marketing programs, let us know and we'll plug you in. **Volunteers commit on an as-needed basis. If you don't have a lot of time to commit to the Farmers Markets, this is the job for you.

Special Events Crew
Every year the Vancouver Farmers Market holds various in-market events to celebrate the best of what's in season and provide activities for our patrons. The activities run the gamut from displays of fruits and vegetables to pie baking contests. They are meant to inform, entertain and engage market goers. If you like to have fun, like to talk to people about food and the market and don't mind a bit of lifting and toting, this could be for you.

2011 Special Events

Garden Festival – Trout Lake (May 28th)
Bike Festival - Kitsilano (June 19th)
Berry Festival– Main St Station (July 20th)
Corn Festival – Kitsilano (Aug 21st)
Tomato Festival – Trout Lake (Sept 10th)
Harvest Festival – West End (Oct 15th)

**We ask that our Special Events Helpers commit to working a minimum of two events during the year.

Committees
Vancouver Farmers Markets are always looking for interested individuals who want to contribute to our success and growth. If you would like to be a part of working behind the scenes with committees such as our Membership Committee please contact us at membership@eatlocal.org

Farm Helpers
If you are interested in helping out farmers directly - either at their stall at the market or on their farms, let us know and we can make the connection. Consider subscribing to our newsletter too where we often post these kinds of opportunities.

Found something that interests you? Fill out our online Volunteer Information Form and our Volunteer Co-ordinator will get in touch with you soon.