Turn Your Passion for Local Food into a Volunteer Opportunity

Maybe you’re committed to lessening your carbon footprint, or, like me, you swoon over organically-grown beets at your local farmers’ market (please tell me I’m not the only one). Whether you’re an eco-warrior or a glutton for fresh produce, it may be time to start doing more than strolling through your local farmers’ market. There are tons of reasons to get involved with the local food movement: locally-grown food reduces fuel emissions, supports local farmers, fosters a sense of community, and rewards you with fruits and veggies at the peak of their season (surprise, that last reason’s my favourite).

If you’d like to play a bigger role in promoting sustainable food systems, there are various volunteer positions on campus or in and around Vancouver. For example, Vancouver Farmers Markets and Oak Street Farmers’ Markets need volunteers to help with set-up and organization of their venues, as well as promotion of special events, and much more. Earthsave Canada, an organization that promotes awareness of environmental sustainability and better nutrition, currently needs a volunteer office assistant, as well as volunteers for events. On campus, Sustainable SFU provides volunteer opportunities through the Harvest Box Program and the Pocket Farmers Market (you can check out Rebekah’s article  to read about her experience with Sustainable SFU). The City of Vancouver website is also a good source for other food- and green-related volunteer possibilities. Break out your apron and gardening gloves and get involved!

• Vancouver Farmers Markets
• Oak Street Farmers’ Market
• Earthsave Canada
• City of Vancouver or this Vancouver Site