Volunteers play an essential role in supporting the daily operations of the Portland Farmers Market.

Whether working at the markets assisting shoppers and vendors or in our main office to help count market tokens, we are deeply grateful for our volunteers and how they show up for their communities. We could not operate our markets without them!

How to Get Involved

Please read the descriptions and requirements, and then complete the online Volunteer Interest Form below.

We will follow up with you via email after you have submitted the form.

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

  • VOATs arrive at the market to help with whatever needs to be done!
  • 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, 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!

• Programs and Special Events Volunteer

  • This role’s duties include assisting staff with recipe demonstrations and tastings, kids’ activities, event promotion, and special event setup/teardown.
  • This role offers opportunities to engage with various community members meaningfully.

• 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.