Volunteer with PFM
Become a Farmers Market Volunteer!
Our volunteer roles can be tailored to an individual's interests and abilities. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered and truly valued.
This year, we urgently need enthusiastic volunteers at Kenton and Lents International Farmers Markets. Your support is vital to the thriving success of the neighborhood markets, and we would be incredibly grateful for your time and energy!
Please read the descriptions and requirements and submit an interest form if you would like to be considered.
Thank you!
Volunteer Requirements
Must be 16 years or older. (If you are between the ages of 16 – 18 you will need a parent or guardian to sign your waiver form.)
Able to commit to a minimum of 1 – 2 shifts per month, which are 3 hours in duration. Totaling 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, vendors, and community members a great experience.
Volunteer Role Descriptions
Volunteer of All Trades (VOAT) At-Market
Volunteer of All Trades (VOAT) At-Market
Duties can be varied but may include market setup and tear down, giving vendors breaks, promoting the market, collecting data, selling merchandise, assisting shoppers at the info booth, programs & special events, and much more.
This role is ideal for meeting neighbors and market vendors, connecting with the community, learning about farmers markets and food systems, and having fun while working hard!
Office Volunteer/Token Counter
This role’s duties include assisting with counting the PFM market currencies.
The shift for this role typically occurs Mondays and Thursdays between 9 am – 2 pm at PFM’s main office in North Portland.
Volunteer Shifts At The Markets
Early Morning Setup (PSU Farmers Market only)
Do you like to get up early? Do you enjoy being physically active?
This shift supports PFM market staff in opening the market.
Tasks may include setting up tables and canopy tents, the information booth, and signs around the market.
This shift typically runs from 7 am – 10 am.
Opening Shift
Are you sociable? Do you enjoy assisting others and answering questions?
This shift supports PFM staff at the information booth.
Tasks may include assisting shoppers by answering questions about the market and its vendors, selling merchandise, and counting PFM market currency.
This shift typically runs within the first three hours of the market being open.
Closing Shift
Are you a people person? Do you thrive on helping others and providing answers? Do you also enjoy being physically active?
This shift supports PFM staff at the information booth during open hours and closes the market.
Tasks may include assisting shoppers, answering questions about the market and its vendors, selling merchandise, counting PFM market currency, and taking down canopy tents, tables, and signs.
This shift typically runs the last two hours of the market plus an hour after the market is closed.