Farmers’ markets are in need of extra support this summer to keep their markets strong during the covid-19 pandemic. Across Maine, farmers’ markets provide food security to their communities. Nearly all farmers’ markets in Maine are organized and managed by farmer-vendors. Therefore, volunteers, at market and behind the scenes, provide a substantial contribution to supporting […]
Employees
Webinar on Vendor Practices during Covid-19
May 1, 2020 Categories
Farmers’ Markets have dramatically changed their layout and rules to fall in line with the Governor’s emergency declarations and the Maine Department of Agriculture’s guidance for farmers’ markets. This webinar is an orientation for Maine farmers’ market vendors to learn what best practices they must be following. Topics covered include: Pre-ordering, booth setup, payment processing, […]
Portland Farmers’ Market seeks volunteers for covid response
April 22, 2020 Categories
In response to COVID-19, the Portland Farmers’ Market (PFM) is in need of volunteers to help ensure a safe shopping experience for all. Volunteering at the market is a critical community service that will allow scores of farmers and thousands of shoppers to keep their local market thriving. Committing to just one shift a week […]
Hand-washing stations – A simple how to
March 19, 2020 CategoriesMaterials needed: Cooler (any clean vessel capable of maintaining hot water for 8-12 hours) Bungee cords or straps (1-3) Soap Paper Towels Hand-sanitizer (if available) Trash bin (a bucket works) Water bin (a bucket works) Fill the cooler with hot water. Use straps or bungee cords to secure it to your truck, or bring a […]
Working the market info booth – a success story from Augusta
July 21, 2017 CategoriesA strong Maine Harvest Bucks program requires a good deal of effort, and often one person can make a major difference. This was the case for the Augusta Farmers’ Market at Mill Park, which first began offering SNAP nutrition incentives in 2014, and added an “info booth” (where SNAP and other transactions are processed) in […]
Hiring Announcement: Part-Time Administrative Assistant
May 18, 2017 CategoriesThe Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets is a statewide nonprofit founded in 1991 to to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable farmers’ market community as a vital part of Maine’s local food network. We work with farmers, consumers, and communities to make wholesome, locally-grown foods available to all residents, to educate consumers about food resources, and to […]
New hires: expanding farmers’ market support down east and up north
July 25, 2016 CategoriesWe are thrilled to announce that the hiring process for our new positions in Washington and Aroostook Counties are complete and the new people filling these roles have hit the ground running! Funding from the USDA’s Farmers’ Market SNAP Support Grant and a local foundation have allowed us to expand our efforts and human power in these regions. A goal of both positions […]
The role of subsidies in determining the price of produce
January 30, 2015 CategoriesFirst off, it is important to note that pricing of our products is probably third or fourth (or even further!) down the list of why most of our shoppers buy from us. Nevertheless, discussions about pricing tend to bring out the economists who are willing to provide us with a lesson in Economics 101. Often […]
The Question of Sending a Worker to Market
June 12, 2014 CategoriesAt a certain stage of growth in our operations, it becomes apparent that we cannot do everything that needs doing all by ourselves. When this time arrives, we hire helpers to get things done in a more effective and timely manner, as well as to be able to simply do more overall. Hiring the right […]
The question of sending a worker to market
January 30, 2014 CategoriesAt a certain stage of growth in our operations, it becomes apparent that we cannot do everything that needs doing all by ourselves. When this time arrives, we hire helpers to get things done in a more effective and timely manner, as well as to be able to simply do more overall. Hiring the right […]