I've been a devoted farmers market shopper for more years than I care to admit. As an avid home cook and professional recipe developer, I know there's no place I'm likely to find fresher produce and fruit, or top-notch sustainably raised meats and eggs. But beyond the food, I've come to see that shopping at farmers markets is an effective way to get to know the larger community of Portland - the farmers, producers, local food purveyors - as well as the neighbors I seem to bump into every Saturday morning. 

Three years ago, I saw an article in the Hollywood Star that Hollywood Farmers Market was looking for board members. I knew it was an opportunity to get involved on a deeper level that I couldn't pass up. So I sent in my application and was graciously accepted as a new board member. 

In my time serving on the board, I've received quite an education - from learning how to best serve low-income shoppers, to the design and implementation of a new logo, to the nitty-gritty details of nonprofit accounting. I've also gotten to know a lot of interesting folks - the market's full-time staff, the farmers and vendors, and the diverse group of community members who serve on the board and volunteer on our committees. In return, I've contributed what skills I possess, along with my time and energy. It's been a rewarding, interesting, and yes, fun experience!

If, like me, you love the market and want to contribute to supporting our local food system, consider applying for an open board position. 

You'll get to take an active role in overseeing the direction of the Hollywood and Lloyd F armers Markets, both of which are held year-round. You'll gain insight into how our local food system works, and feel a sense of involvement in the community. 

We seek applicants from all backgrounds, and with a diverse set of skills. In particular demand are folks who have experience with community outreach, agriculture, communications, account/financial planning, human resources and marketing. Our goal is to compose a well-rounded, effective Board. 

Our Board is comprised of up to fifteen members, including a handful of seats that will be vacated at the end of this year. Board members serve a three-year term. The primary responsibility of the board is governance of the Markets. In addition, Board members participate on a variety of committees where they are able to creatively contribute to the market's weekly activities as well as influence the organization's future. 

Members attend board meetings held on the third Wednesday evening of every month as well as one or more committee meetings per month. Additional commitments include an annual Board retreat held in January, a vendor dinner in the spring, and a fall harvest festival celebrating our volunteers, hosted by the Board.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, September 24th. The Board will invite candidates to an interview at the October 18th board meeting, and elections will take place that evening. New members will be seated effective January 1, 2018. 

Board meetings are always open to the public, so if you're not sure whether the Hollywood Farmers Market board is right for you, please feel free to attend a meeting as a guest. Our next two meetings are Wednesday, August 16th, and Wednesday, September 20th, at 6:30pm at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church.

The application is available on our website here. Any questions about the recruitment process may be directed to board chair Claudia Fabbrini at recruitment@hollywoodfarmersmarket.org.