Mobile Farmers Market Assistant
Position Description
Food Works is seeking a Mobile Farmers Market seasonal staff member to help with the operation of the Food Works Mobile Farmers Market. The Farmers Market seasonal staff will help the Market Manager with the day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in improving access to healthy, fresh foods in underserved communities and strengthening the local food and farming economy of Southern Illinois.
About the Food Works Mobile Farmers Market
The Food Works Mobile Farmers Market is a farmer's market on wheels. The market vehicle is a 16 foot box truck on the axle of a Ford 350 that transports food and acts as a safe conduit for people to access healthy food. The vehicle houses storage for fresh foods, cold and refrigeration space, as well as a sink and displays. The purpose of the Mobile Market is twofold: To connect food insecure families and individuals in underserved areas within the southern 13 counties of Illinois with fresh food, and help local farms reach more customers in more locations across Southern Illinois.
About Food Works
The Mobile Farmers Market is a program of Food Works. Food Works is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable food economy in Southern Illinois. Through farmer training and consumer education, Food Works promotes long-term farming networks that create healthy soils, healthy food, and healthy communities in the 23 counties that make up Southern Illinois. To learn more about Food Works and our programs, visit www.fwsoil.org/about-us/
Position Responsibilities
● Assist the Market Staff at mobile farmers market locations throughout Southern Illinois, including set up, tear down, managing inventory, and creating/stocking displays.
● Assist with special events and other programming, such as cooking demonstrations, Kid’s Day, etc.
● Ensure safe food storage, handling and quality control. Help manage inventory and maintain accurate records
● Help maintain checklists and procedures for operation of the market.
●Assist with keeping up to date records on market sales, vendors, customer attendance, etc.
● Communicate with customers in a friendly manner.
● Be an ambassador for Food Works and the Mobile Farmers Market, for the importance of access in the community to foods that are healthy, fresh, and locally sourced.
● Must be able to lift 40lbs and able to repeat physical tasks including lifting items into the trucks and moving items from storage to the vehicles
What experience and skills you will bring:
● Strong “people skills”, a passion for working in the community, and a commitment to improving access to healthy food in Southern Illinois.
● Willingness to learn about farmers markets, food safety, and local food marketing.
● Demonstrated excitement in local food and farming systems (farmers markets, food businesses, farming, food access, volunteering, etc.).
● Willingness to learn about types of farming practices (ie, Certified Organic, Certified Naturally Grown, sustainable, regenerative... ), as well as the strengths and challenges of sourcing from small scale farmers.
● Strong communication skills and listening skills. Ability to work with diverse audiences with a friendly, welcoming and respectful attitude.
● Reliable transportation to Food Works’s facilities in Carbondale, IL and areas throughout southern Illinois.
Candidates who do not have all the experience listed above are encouraged to apply.
This is a Part time position (8-10 hours per week). Pay will be between $14 - $15/hr.This position reports to the Food Works Mobile Market Manager. Food Works is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or other non-merit factor.
Interested applicants can send a resume with references and a letter addressing your interest and qualifications to Ellen Esling, Market Manager, Ellen@fwsoil.org. This position will begin immediately - October 2024 (end date will coincide with the ending of market season). Resumes will be reviewed immediately.
Community Advocate for Food Works Mobile Market Program
About Food Works: Food Works is dedicated to increasing food access and supporting local farmers through our Mobile Farmers Market Program. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Community Advocate to help us engage with the communities we serve.
Position Overview: The Community Advocate will play a crucial role in promoting the Mobile Farmers Market Program by distributing flyers in designated communities and participating in community events. The advocate will ensure maximum outreach and engagement, helping to increase awareness and participation in our program. This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations for the Community Advocate role, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and outreach in promoting the Mobile Farmers Market Program.
Scope of Work:
Flyering in Specific Communities:
● Distribute flyers in designated communities to promote the Mobile Farmers Market
Program.
● Target specific areas identified by Food Works to maximize outreach and community
engagement.
● Ensure flyers are placed in high-visibility locations and handed out to community
members.
Participation in Third Thursdays Events:
● Work at Third Thursdays events, assisting with setup and engaging with the community.
● Promote the Mobile Farmers Market Program by providing information and answering
questions.
● Actively participate in event activities to enhance community interaction and interest.
Responsibilities:
● Distribute flyers in the specified communities and ensure maximum visibility.
● Participate actively in Third Thursdays events, providing support and engaging with
attendees.
● Maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information obtained during the
course of work.
Qualifications:
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to engage and interact effectively with diverse community members.
● Reliable and self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
● Previous experience in community outreach or advocacy is a plus.
Responsibilities of Food Works:
● Provide the Community Advocate with necessary flyers and promotional materials.
● Specify the target communities for flyering and provide guidance for the Third Thursdays
events.
● Ensure timely payment of the agreed compensation upon completion of the tasks.
Confidentiality:
● The Community Advocate agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or
sensitive information obtained during the course of their work.
Termination:
● This position may be terminated at any time by either party with written notice to the
other party.
Application Process:
Location: Various communities served by the Food Works Mobile Market Program
Compensation: $300 for an estimated 20 hours of work
This position reports to the Food Works Mobile Market Manager. Food Works is proud to be an
equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to
race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, sexual
orientation, marital status, disability, age, or other non-merit factor.
Interested applicants can send a resume and letter addressing your interest and qualifications
to Ellen Esling, Market Manager, Ellen@fwsoil.org. This position will begin immediately.
Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.