If you have an interest in sustainable food, or food in general, The Land Connection (which hosts Downtown Champaign’s weekly farmers’ market) has a way for you to get involved via volunteering.
For more information on the types of volunteers needed, and the time commitment for each shift, check out the press release below:
At the Champaign Farmers’ Market we love fresh, flavorful food and work to connect our community with local farmers so they can enjoy it too. The Market makes local food more accessible to those living and working in and around Downtown Champaign, and more affordable to struggling families through our SNAP matching program.
Putting on the Market each week is no small feat, and The Land Connection is looking for volunteers to help set up and pack up the Market each week, and keep in running smoothly. If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy some fresh air on a Tuesday afternoon, get first dibs on the best produce, and help your community, we’ve got the opportunity for you.
We’re looking for volunteers aged 16 and older to help with the following tasks:
- Set-up (1:30-3:30): help set up tents and tables, hang signage, and get the Market ready to go. This does occur during the hotter part of the day, and volunteers need to be able to lift at least 50 pounds and carry out physical tasks. If you can’t make it for the full two hours, volunteers are most critically needed during the first hour from 1:30-2:30.
- Tear down (6:15-7:15): pack up equipment, tents, and tables. This tends to go much faster than set-up and takes place during a cooler part of the day, so it’s not quite as physically taxing as set-up. (With enough people, we’re often actually done by 7!)
- Market hours (3:30-6:30): Greeting patrons at the market, running surveys and kids’ activities, counting patrons, and other general assistance.
- Distributing fliers around town (anytime)
We’ve also got a special opportunity for dietetic interns who hold a Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Certificate to help out with cooking demonstrations in our Sampling Tent.
We really appreciate our volunteers, and at the end of the season we’ll be holding a special volunteer thank-you party for volunteers who have worked with us at least 5 times.
With a few extra pairs of hands, the Market can continue to run smoothly and grow during this critical third season. To sign up or for more information, contact Sarah ([email protected]). Learn more about the Champaign Farmers’ Market at: http://thelandconnection.org/market