How To Help
Sustain the Sustainable, Austin!
Become a sustaining supporter and keep the downtown Austin Farmers’ Market growing. A project of the Sustainable Food Center, the market needs your support to continue to excel in making this the place for farmers and small businesses to connect to you, and for building this award-winning place as a vital part of the Austin community. Sustaining the market now creates the long-lasting success of great weekly markets well into the future. We have two special levels of Sustaining Supporters and we also welcome any level of support with great appreciation. Donate today at a level of support that works for you.
Each tax-deductible donation goes to fund market implementation, market management, small business development, market-based food nutrition programs and promotional activities.
Support the Austin Farmers’ Market through a contribution to the Sustainable Food Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 1975. Designate your gift for Farm Marketing – Austin Farmers’ Market.
Go to www.sustainablefoodcenter.org
Volunteer
Get involved to help make the Austin Farmers’ Market a success! We need volunteers of all levels of experience and abilities. Check out a complete listing of the volunteer opportunities for the Sustainable Food Center and the Austin Farmers’ Market on the web at www.volunteermatch.org. The Austin Farmers’ Market volunteer descriptions are also below. You can go to Volunteermatch to contact us about participating. You can also contact the Sustainable Food Center directly at 512-236-0074.
Farmers’ Market Volunteer Job Descriptions
Farmers’ Market Information Correspondent (1-2 people)
Are you interested in farmers’ markets, but want to work behind the scenes? We need you to help us send out information about the Austin Farmers’ Market via phone, fax, and e-mail. Administrative duties include producing information kits, sending out vendor notices, donor mail outs and filing. You should have good communication and organization skills.
2 hrs per week.
Childrens’ Activity Presenter (2 people)
Volunteer will present activity kits to children during market hours, ONLY DURING ONCE A MONTH FESTIVALS. Although the children will be with their parents, the volunteer will monitor the childrens’ activities and play to ensure they receive the appropriate educational message. Training for activities provided by SFC.
Date: At Festival times, once a month.
Time: 1.5 hours per month, usually 10-11:30; specific hours may be chosen by the volunteer.
Farmers’ Market Tabling Volunteer (10-15 people)
Do you love to talk about important issues in the community? Are you interested in farmers' markets? You can help us spread the word about local food by attending events and passing out literature about the Sustainable Food Center and the Austin Farmers' Market. Good communications skills a must.
As needed, 2-4 hours per event, usually during the week.
DAY OF MARKET OPERATIONS EVERY SATURDAY MORNING January - December, year 'round
5. Information Booth Volunteers (2-3 people each shift)
Information Booth Volunteers will be responsible for setting up the information booth, arranging promotional materials for the Austin Farmers’ Market and Sustainable Food Center, speaking about and answering questions about the market, and selling merchandise.
Every Saturday morning year 'round from 11 to 1:15 (can work out with several steady volunteers only covering shift every three weeks or so).
2. Chef Demonstration Assistants (2-3 people each shift)
Chef Demonstration Assistants will be responsible for working with chefs prior to market day, setting up demonstration booth area, handing out recipes and samples, assisting chef with shopping at the market, and cleaning up after the demonstration.
Only on monthly scheduled 'festival' Saturdays February through December from 9:30 to 11:30.
6. Market Music Assistant (2 people to alternate weekly)
The music assistant will show bands where to set up, help bands set up equipment, put up signs, and provide general assistance during market hours.
Every Saturday morning March through December from 10 to 12:30
