As a small nonprofit, our work would be impossible without the generosity and dedication of our amazing team of volunteers. This month, we have a wide variety of opportunities for helping out.
For more information, and to fill out an application to participate in any of these important undertakings, visit our Volunteer web page. Or if you have any questions, feel free to email us (please be sure to specify the opportunity you’re inquiring about).
PAWTUCKET WINTERTIME FARMERS MARKET
Snow or shine, the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is open November through April, brimming with high-quality, locally sourced foods. The market also has awesome demonstrations and events from local producers and talented musicians.
The Opportunity: We are looking for a volunteer to assist in the setup, execution, and breakdown at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market.
Shift Available: Saturdays 7:45 am – 2:00 pm
Training: A 30-minute training is required prior to your first market.
FRESH BUCKS COIN COUNTING
In 2007, Farm Fresh RI invested in creating the Fresh Bucks infrastructure — a token-based currency now used at farmers markets across RI. Fresh Bucks enable farmers markets to accept debit and credit cards in exchange for Fresh Bucks coins that customers can use to purchase items directly from farmers market vendors. Though an increasing number of vendors are accepting debit/credit cards at their stands, not all can afford to. Fresh Bucks empower even the smallest farms and food businesses to accept payment from a wider array of customers.
The Opportunity: Every Tuesday, we double-check the totals of the tokens turned in by our vendors, then roll and bag those tokens for reuse. We’re looking for a detail-oriented and tidy volunteer to assist with this process. Neat handwriting and good mental addition skills are a plus!
Shift Available: Tuesdays 9:45 am – 11:30 am
Training: On-the-job training is required.
MARKET MOBILE
Market Mobile is our ground-breaking transparent wholesale distribution program that directly connects buyers with a robust regional food network. The program allows farmers to focus on growing and enables chefs, grocers, hospitals, and schools to easily purchase locally grown foods.
The Opportunity: On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we pack up Market Mobile orders in a process we call packline. You’ll learn first-hand what’s in season and get an inside scoop into the local foods RI and MA customers are ordering. Packline is a fun small-team undertaking. We often listen to music, laugh, and get a mini workout picking product from various locations in our packhouse, then packing them up to go out for delivery.
Shifts Available: Tuesdays 6:15 – 8:00 am & Thursdays 5:15 – 8:30 am
Training: A 30-minute training is required prior to your first packline shift.
VEGGIE BOX
Veggie Box is our ongoing subscription of local produce delivered to participants at workplaces and community centers. The program helps individuals and families gain greater access to local food and provides farms with a consistent demand for produce year-round.
The Opportunity: On Monday evenings, we pack our Veggie Boxes with the freshest food from RI and MA farms for distribution to various pickup sites. This is another fun packline opportunity! You’ll play an integral part in our program operations — and there are often leftovers for volunteers to take home and enjoy!
Shifts Available: Mondays 4:30 – 6:00 pm
There may be other Veggie Box opportunities during the week, so let us know your availability!
Training: On-the-job training is required.
FARM TO SENIOR
Offered at RI senior centers and residences, our Farm to Senior programming pairs local food cooking and sampling with nutrition and food-system education. Seniors gain greater awareness about what’s grown locally and helpful information about how to access and afford fresh, local foods
The Opportunity: On weekday mornings and afternoons, help with local food activities and cooking demonstrations featuring local produce in local senior centers.
Shifts Available: Mondays 10:00 – 11:00 am; Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:00 am; Wednesdays 10:15 – 11:15 am; Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Training: On-the-job training is required.
FARM TO SCHOOL
As proud members of the National Farm to School Network, our RI Farm to School programming enriches the connection communities have with fresh, nutritious food as well as with local farmers and producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early-care education settings.
The Opportunity: On weekday mornings, help with local food activities and cooking demonstrations featuring local produce in local schools.
Shifts Available: Tuesday 10:00 – 11:30 am; Thursday 10:00 – 11:30 am
Training: A background check is required. On-the-job training is required.
