Volunteer FAQ

How do I apply to become a Vancouver Farmers Market volunteer?

You can apply to become a volunteer at the Vancouver Farmers Market by filling out an online application. Once we have received your application, VFM staff will review your qualifications and reply to you personally if we feel you are a good fit and we have availability.

Please note, your first shift volunteering with the VFM will be a training shift.

What will I do as a volunteer?

There are a variety of volunteer positions available at the Vancouver Farmers Market. Below are brief descriptions of each. More detailed descriptions including responsibilities and preferred qualifications can be found in the volunteer packet.

• The Information Booth Volunteer: This position is great if you would like to chat with community members and guide customers’ experiences at the market.

• The Special Skills Volunteer shares their expertise with the market in the areas of art, graphic design, photography, gardening, event planning, writing, media, research, data collection, manual labor etc.

• Volunteer Groups engage in one-time, annual, or quarterly volunteer opportunities with the market on larger, special projects.

What is required of me as a volunteer?

Above all else we require our volunteers to be positive, polite, and professional. VFM volunteers represent the market and should always conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner. Aside from this, there are a few logistical things that we require from all volunteers:

1. Fill out all the appropriate paperwork and attend a training session with a VFM staff member before you begin volunteering

2. When volunteering, wear a designated lanyard to identify yourself as a volunteer at the market

3. Attend market shifts that you have signed up to volunteer

4. Give VFM staff at least 24 hours notice (by phone or email – do not simply delete your name from a shift on the google doc) if you plan to miss a volunteer shift

5. Log all of your volunteer hours with our online system

How often can I volunteer?

We prefer to have volunteers who can be with us on a regular basis. This creates consistency and familiarity between the volunteers, staff, consumers, and vendors. We suggest that if you are interested in volunteering you consider attending the Saturday or Sunday market on a regular basis.

Where will I volunteer?

Most volunteer assignments are performed at the Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. The market is located on Esther and 8th Streets.

Can I complete court mandated community service hours with the Vancouver Farmers Market?

You may be able to complete court mandated community service hours with the Vancouver Farmers Market. However, VFM DOES NOT ACCEPT court mandated volunteers whose charges relate to an act of violence or sexual misconduct. Please contact us for more information.

What volunteer opportunities do you have for groups?

We will gladly accommodate larger groups who are interested in one-time, annual, or quarterly volunteer opportunities. We also work with many local farms in the area that are always searching for new volunteer opportunities. We will work with you to find a project that fits your group’s needs. Contact us for more information.

If I am 16 or younger, can I volunteer?

If you are 16 or younger and wish to volunteer with the Vancouver Farmers Market, you are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Do you perform background checks on volunteers?

Before an applicant is approved as a volunteer, we require you to fill out a Background Check Form. Since volunteers sometimes work with vulnerable populations at the market, such as children and senior citizens, a background check is required.

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering at the Vancouver Farmers Market is truly a rewarding experience. We are committed to cultivating an intentional program to provide meaningful experiences for our volunteers while also serving the market, its vendors, and the Clark County community. By becoming a volunteer you will have the opportunity to engage and network with local farmers, producers, artisans, and community members and build relationships that will last a lifetime. Your individual skills and creativity will bring the vitality that is necessary for the continued growth of our organization.