Looking to Recruit Some UMBC Rockstar Volunteers or Interns!
The Pigtown Farmer's Market, which is located in SW Baltimore, only 12 minute drive from campus (or a short shuttle or bus ride) is looking to recruit some rockstar volunteers or interns this summer. There are LOTS of hours available, so it could easily be a really substantive position for any students interested in community work or food justice. Here are the details of the various positions:
Nutrition and Cooking Education Volunteers
How many: 2-4 volunteers
Position Description: The Nutrition and Cooking Education Volunteer will be in charge of implementing the Nutrition Education curriculum from the Maryland Farmers Market Association. This role will be in charge of making sure that guests at the Market are empowered to choose healthy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and available. They will implement the curriculum provided by the MDFMA, but also be in charge of improving this curriculum and fitting it to the Pigtown Community Farmers Market's needs. Volunteers will cook weekly recipes featuring seasonal vegetables from the curriculum at the market, allowing guests to taste the food and to see the simplicity of the recipes. Volunteers will purchase ingredients for the recipes (they will be reimbursed) and make sure all materials are set-up, clean, and put away when finished.
Logistics/Hours: Volunteers are needed at the Market from 3 pm - 7 pm every Thursday from June 1st - October 5th. Volunteers will be in charge of purchasing the ingredients for the recipes (they will be reimbursed) and making sure all materials are set-up, clean, and put away when finished. Volunteers are needed approximately 8 hours a week. 5 hours will be spent each Thursday at the Market, setting up the Cooking Demo table (.5 hours), demonstrating the meal and engaging guests in Nutrition Education activities (4 hours), and cleaning up (.5 hours). 3 other hours per week will be spent planning the recipes needed, purchasing materials, and working with other Market staff to plan for the week.
Hours: Every Thursday, June 1st - October 5th, plus an addition three hours each week.
Market Program Volunteers
How many: 2 per time slot, can be returning or visiting volunteers
Position Description: Market Program Volunteers are in charge of the daily tasks that come with running the Farmers Market. These volunteers are needed to help set up the Market tents, tables, chairs, and decorations, as well as help vendors with setting up as needed. When they are not needed at the market itself, they will be responsible for passing out fliers about the Market at nearby (walk-able) neighborhood locations. They will help with greeting guests, answering questions, and troubleshooting any Market problems that arise. They may conduct surveys with guests to help understand needs of the community and healthy food access patterns. They will learn the ins and outs of Market programs, such as SNAP/EBT acceptance, the CSA program, and more. They will be in charge of helping to assemble and distribute CSA shares each week to guests who participate in the program. They will also help with breakdown of the Market, including tents, tables, and chairs, and returning items to the storage facility. Thse volunteers are needed every Thursday during one of two shifts.
Logistics: The Market needs at least 4 Program Volunteers, 2 per shift, for every Thursday of the Market (June 1st - October 5th). The first shift will occur from 1 pm - 4 pm. The second shift will be from 4 pm - 7:30 pm. Volunteers can change week to week, but consistency is preferable.
Hours: Every Thursday from June 1st - October 5th from 1 pm - 4 pm, and 4 pm - 7:30 pm.
Children's Engagement Volunteers
How many: 2
Position Description: This responsible, enthusiastic, and friendly volunteer will work with kids who visit the Market during the hours of 3-7 pm. They will be responsible for engaging children in productive activities, including face-painting, sidewalk chalk, and other outside games. They will help plan activities. This volunteer will also be in charge of planning and implementing activities for the Back to School Day in August. They will need to create kid-friendly easy activities that may or may not relate to healthy living, all of which can be done at an outdoor Market.
Logistics: The Market will need 1-2 people per day for this role, and volunteers can alternate with other volunteers each week, although consistency is desirable. The Market runs from 3-7 pm each Thursday from June 1st - October 5th. Volunteers will be needed around 6-7 hours per week. Volunteers will be responsible for set-up of the activities (.5 hours), running the activities (4 hours), and cleaning up (.5 hours). Volunteers will need approximately 1-2 hours per week to plan activities and get any needed supplies. If volunteers purchase supplies, they will be reimbursed through the Market.
Hours: Every Thursday from June 1st - October 5th from 2:30 - 7:30 pm, plus one hour of planning per week.
For More Information Contact: Charlotte Keniston, Community Food Programs Coordinator at ckeniston@paulsplaceoutreach.org
Posted: April 7, 2017, 5:26 PM