Ypsilanti Farmers Markets Intern

Location: Ypsilanti, MI (in-person work required)

Compensation: $1400/month stipend

Additional Perks: Free produce, flowers, and seedlings from our Urban Farm

Start Date: Seasonal, May 01 - October 31, 2023

Schedule: Average 20-25 hours/week. Must be available on market days: Tuesdays 11am - 7pm, Saturdays 7:30am - 2pm (May - October).

Position Description: 

This is an internship running from May 1 - October 31. We are looking for someone who is passionate about food, people, and the earth. This internship requires in-person interaction with the farmers market community: farmers, food-makers, and food-earth-people lovers! It requires physical set-up and tear-down of market equipment, and proficient computer skills. No academic degree or prior experience required. Must be available on market days: Tuesdays 11am - 7pm, Saturdays 7:30am - 2pm (May - October)

Position Responsibilities: 

• Market-day operations including set-up and take-down of market tents, signage, and equipment
• Operate point-of-sale transactions and food assistance token program
• Assist in aggregation and distribution of local food through the Ypsi Area Online Market
• Assist with data collection, entry, and reporting
• Additional duties based on interest and ability may include: social media management, community outreach, volunteer management, cash-flow and accounting processes, program development and strategy, organizational food justice/food sovereignty development

Qualifications:

• Kind, calm, and open demeanor to work
• Ability to do physical market set-up and tear-down (able to lift up to and carry distances 30lb)
• Available to work Tuesdays and Saturdays May - October.
• Comfortable adjusting to variable work conditions (i.e. all weather types) and changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Proficient math and computer skill

Qualities that will enhance the application:

• Knowledge/interest in food justice/food sovereignty
• Background/knowledge in Ypsilanti
• Previous experience with Growing Hope’s programs 
• A love of the interconnected web that is Creation

Growing Hope is a 20-year-old non-profit organization rooted in Ypsilanti, Michigan whose mission is to foster an equitable and sustainable local food system that empowers all people to grow, buy, sell, prepare, and eat nourishing food. We envision a community where all people--particularly those with barriers due to race, class, culture, language, ability, and mobility--have access to nourishing local food that is culturally appropriate and affordable. People can grow and prepare their own harvests, and may earn a living as a food grower, producer, or entrepreneur. 

Our areas of work include Youth & Schools, Farm & Garden, Farmers Markets, and Food Entrepreneurship. Our programs primarily emanate from our two main spaces: The Growing Hope Urban Farm and the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. The Urban Farm is a multi-purpose space used for organic-practice production, garden demonstration, youth and adult education, and events. The Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace hosts  the Ypsi Area Online Market and the Growing Hope Incubator Kitchen. 

Our work culture is rooted in our values: Transformation, Education, Justice & Equity, Placemaking, and Integrity. We commit to upholding inclusive practices and policies while creating space for courageous conversations as a staff and within our community. Our aim is to leverage the vast resources already within our community in order to empower and partner with participants and customers. We believe that community members have the ability to make their own decisions about their health and wellness goals and that Growing Hope acts as a conduit, bridging the gap between our community and its goals.

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to apply@growinghope.net. Preference given to applications received by March 15, 2023, but the position will remain open until filled. Letters can be submitted in the form of a written document, video or audio format.

Growing Hope encourages people of color and individuals who possess an in-depth understanding of poverty or economic hardship to apply. We welcome a diverse pool of applicants and make employment decisions on the basis of merit. We do not discriminate potential employees based on race, creed, age, physical ability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status. Accommodations will be made so that the application process and position is made accessible for qualified applicants.