Get Involved!
Ways you can support FARM Cafe’s hunger relief programming:
- Eat at FARM Frequently - have your meetings at FARM! Bring a friend!
- Pay it Forward by purchasing a meal token for a neighbor in need.
- Sponsor a Buy Boone Lunch event at FARM Cafe.
- Volunteer your Time.
F.A.R.M. Cafe relies on a 90% volunteer staff to feed our community. You can “Pay it Forward” by assisting the F.A.R.M. Cafe staff to "Feed All Regardless of Means." We offer volunteer opportunities from 9:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday.
Requirements for Volunteers
We will provide a hat, gloves and an apron for all volunteers. You are welcome to bring your own hat or hair covering if you’d like, but it is not necessary. Please wear closed-toed shoes and be able to pull long hair back. Most shifts are an hour long and require standing for the duration of that time. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and can work with individuals to find appropriate tasks. Talk with our staff if you have any questions!
Since you will be around food, please let a staff member know if you have a severe food allergy! Additionally, please read over our Dress Code and Hygiene Guide prior to your first shift.
Role Descriptions
Daily Set-Up (9:30-10:30): Assist staff in preparing the Cafe for service. Can include taking down chairs, light cleaning, writing our menu boards, minimal food preparation.
Server (11am-2pm): Serving our daily meal on the buffet line to our patrons and making sure the kitchen is notified when running low on food. Maintain a clean work environment and replenish plates and bowls as needed.
Greeter (11am-2pm): Greet patrons as they come in the Cafe and share the menu. Be able to properly explain the mission, concept, and workings of the Cafe. We ask that first-time volunteers do not greet, as greeters need experience with the Cafe.
Dishwasher (10am-3:30pm): Washing, drying, and putting away plates, bowls, cups, and various kitchen equipment. Make sure bus pans are being brought back to the dish room as they fill.
Breakdown Crew (2pm-3:30): Helping Cafe clean up after service. Can include duties such as sweeping, mopping, wiping down counters, taking out trash, etc.
Prep Cook (9am-2pm): Helping the kitchen prep food for the day’s meal, the Full Circle food recovery program, and/or outreach. We recommend that volunteers have prior kitchen experience and be familiar with the Cafe.
Exchanging a Meal
If you are in need of a meal and would like to exchange an hour of your time, please let one of our staff members know. We will gladly provide volunteer opportunities for all abilities such as folding laundry cleaning bathrooms, rolling silverware, etc.
Interning
F.A.R.M. Cafe and Full Circle have opportunities for all interests! We are able to accommodate different majors and interests, working with interns to create the most valuable learning experience for all involved. Potential interns can gain experience in:
- Nonprofit Management
- Community Development and Outreach
- Food Production and Safety
- Nutrition
- Volunteer Management and Coordination
- Sustainability
- Communications
We are available to host Fall, Spring, and Summer interns depending on availability. We ask that all potential interns become familiar with Cafe operations and volunteer as frequently as possible. If interested, please email volunteer@farmcafe.org with your resume and potential schedule.