FareStart is looking for dedicated volunteers to glean at the Queen Anne Farmer's Market at least twice a month!
FareStart's Food Recovery Team has generously been invited to collect excess produce from vendors at the Queen Anne Farmer's Market. This product will be used in our hunger relief meals, and help FareStart incorporate fresh, local, and nutritious ingredients into those meals, diversify ingredients, and minimize costs. The practice of gleaning also helps to minimize food waste and provides a tax rebate to vendors.
The volunteer will arrive at the market prior to closing, distribute bins to collect unsold product, and then collect the donations after the market while recording the donation and providing vendors with receipts. The volunteer will need access to their own truck or van to transfer the product to our 700 Virginia location after the market.
We ask for volunteers to commit to twice a month to help build relationships with vendors and market managers. This is a great opportunity for those local to Queen Anne or who are looking to get more involved with local farmer's markets! When signing up, please sign up for at least two shifts a month, or however many you are able to attend.
For those new to gleaning, gleaning is:
- The act of collecting excess fresh foods from farms, gardens, farmers markets, grocers, restaurants, or any other sources in order to provide it to those in need.
- Traditionally defined as gathering anything left over after a harvest.
Effective December 10, 2021, a COVID-19 vaccination is required for anyone volunteering at a FareStart facility or volunteering in-person with FareStart staff, students, community members and/or other volunteers. Current and new volunteers are asked to submit a proof of vaccination by uploading an image of their documentation under their qualifications. Learn more about our requirement and policy details around COVID-19 vaccination.
