Come to the Lents International Farmers Market Volunteer Info Session!
Join us at Refuge Coffee House on Saturday, June 17, 10 – 11 am to hear about volunteer opportunities at Lents, ask questions, and meet our staff and current & future volunteers.
Join Our Team of Volunteers!
Portland Farmers Market’s mission is to contribute to the success of local food growers and producers and share the understanding that we, as farmers, makers and consumers, all carry the responsibility for developing a more sustainable food system and creating a space for vibrant community gatherings.
We want all Portland residents to have access to farm-fresh food and to offer a space to learn, build, nourish and be part of an inspired community. We thrive on making positive personal connections with our neighbors, community partners, and food growers & producers.
All this would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers!
How to Get Involved
Together with our neighbors, we aim to create committed volunteer teams for each of our five vibrant markets! Each market volunteer is encouraged to bring their skills to combine with the market’s needs to maintain a thriving marketplace.
Below are our volunteer roles, market descriptions, general requirements, and online interest form.
To apply, please complete the online Volunteer Interest Form below and we will get back to you within two weeks!
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be 16 years or older.
- Able to commit to a minimum of 1 – 2 shifts per month, about 3 – 6 total hours per month.
- Able to commit to scheduled volunteer hours. The schedule is booked one month in advance.
- Able to squat, bend, stand, lift, and twist for 3 hours with breaks. (Accommodations can always be made!)
- Dedicated to giving shoppers and community members a great experience.
Volunteer Role Descriptions
Volunteer of All Trades (VOAT)
VOATs arrive at the market or our main office to help with whatever needs to be done! Duties can be varied but may include market setup and tear down, giving vendors breaks, promoting the market, collecting data, selling merchandise, customer service at the info booth, and much more.
VOATs can help out in the main office by counting tokens or organizing spaces with staff. This role also allows your unique talents to shine – tell us what you’d like to do, and we can try to make it happen!
This role is ideal for meeting neighbors and community members, learning about all things farmers markets, and having fun while working hard!
Programs and Special Events Volunteer
Programs and special events are back at Portland Farmers Markets in 2023! We are looking for people interested in assisting with tastings, recipe demonstrations, kids’ activities, event promotion, setup/teardown of special events, and more.
This role will be a dynamic position with plenty of opportunities to engage with various community members meaningfully!
Other/DIY
Do you have a special skill set that you would like to offer Portland Farmers Market that does not fit the volunteer description?
Youth education, photography, writing, graphic design, illustration, excellent attention to detail – let us know!