Skills required
- Good for groups
- Good for youth
- Accessible by public transit
Market Service/Prep Volunteers – Community Markets
The Alex Community Food Centre is looking for friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic Market Service/Prep Volunteers to support our community markets. Working alongside staff and other volunteers, Market Volunteers help prepare and maintain an organized, respectful, and welcoming market where community members can access fresh and nutritious food. Depending on the shift, volunteers may assist with behind-the-scenes preparation, public-facing market service, or a combination of both. Each shift will be supervised by a staff member who will provide instructions, guidance, and support. Responsibilities may include: * Unpacking and organizing produce, pantry items, and other market foods * Checking food for freshness and removing damaged items * Sorting, portioning, bagging, and displaying food * Setting up tables, signs, baskets, and market stations * Welcoming community members into the market * Supporting community members as they move through the space * Answering basic questions or connecting community members with staff * Restocking food and supplies throughout the market * Operating the cash register or point-of-sale system * Processing cash and electronic payments accurately * Providing correct change and following cash-handling procedures * Supporting checkout and keeping the payment area organized * Monitoring food quantities and notifying staff when items need replenishing * Keeping tables, displays, and walkways clean and organized * Packing and storing remaining food after the market * Cleaning and resetting the space * Following food-safety procedures and staff instructions * Supporting other market tasks as needed Preferred experience and skills: * Friendly, welcoming, patient, and respectful * Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds * Able to provide warm and non-judgmental service * Comfortable working in a busy community environment * Able to follow verbal instructions and food-safety procedures * Organized and attentive to detail * Works well as part of a collaborative team * Reliable, punctual, and comfortable taking initiative * Previous cash-handling or cash-register training is a strong asset * Previous experience in food service, grocery, retail, customer service, food distribution, or community programming is considered an asset but is not required
Additional Details & Skills Required
Some shifts may be public-facing, while others may focus primarily on preparing the market before community members arrive. This role may involve standing, moving throughout the market space, and lifting or carrying food and supplies. Accommodations are available, and we encourage volunteers to let us know what support would help them participate successfully. All volunteers are required to attend an in-person orientation session before beginning their volunteer role.
Certification or Education Required
No formal certification or education is required. Cash-handling or cash-register training is a strong asset for this position. Previous grocery, retail, customer-service, food-service, food-distribution, or community experience is also considered an asset but is not mandatory. Volunteers will receive guidance and supervision from a staff member.
Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?
As a Market Service/Prep Volunteer, you will: * Gain practical experience in market preparation and community food distribution * Build teamwork, communication, organization, cash-handling, and customer-service skills * Develop experience working with diverse community members * Learn about food access and community food programming * Learn from experienced staff in a supportive environment * Meet new people and become part of a welcoming team
Skills required
- Good for groups
- Good for youth
- Accessible by public transit