Company description

Forty Acres Fresh Market is a grocer at the forefront of Chicago's healthy food access movement. Forty Acres is a catalyst for health and economic equity by expanding access to grocery retail so people in all communities have an equal opportunity to lead healthy lives. Our motto is "Fresh food for all. Because every hood should be healthy."

Forty Acres Fresh Market currently operates as a mobile produce vendor, specializing in delivery service, popup markets, and retail development. Forty Acres is in a rapid growth phase as we expand our operations, including the development of a brick and mortar store in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. 

Job description

Seasonal Part-time: 22-25 hours/week

Position runs from the week of May 12, 2024 through October 31, 2024

Starts at $20.00/hour

Who You Are: Do you want to be part of building a business that is a catalyst for community change? Do you believe that everyone should be able to access affordable fresh food in their neighborhood? Are you interested in rebuilding neighborhoods that have endured years of divestment? If so then this is the company for you. 

The Job: Forty Acres has partnered with the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the Austin Town Hall Farmers Market (ATHFM). The goal is to leverage the City Market program to provide an engaging farmers market for the Austin community. The Austin Town Hall Farmers Market is every Thursday 1:00PM-6:00PM, rain or shine, from June 6 - October 31, 2024.

We are seeking an individual to run the Forty Acres Fresh Market produce stand at ATHFM. This role includes management of market operations, including inventory procurement, market set up and breakdown, staff supervision, cashiering, and customer service. Market days are long, beginning in the morning for setup and ending in the evening with cleanup after the market closes.

This role works closely with the Sourcing & Fulfillment Supervisor and ownership to ensure the seamless integration of the produce stand into the Forty Acres Fresh Market operations, inventory, and pricing.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Using company vehicles for the transport of inventory, equipment, and supplies from Forty Acres' warehouse and storage to and from the farmers market

• Creating an easy to shop, service oriented shopping experience for customers

• Inventory management including sourcing, inventory intake, pricing, and tracking

  • Weekly purchasing from local growers and wholesalers

  • Collaboration with Sourcing & Fulfillment Supervisor to determine purchase quantities and varieties to be used across sales channels without pricing or quality disruption.

  • Post market inventory audits and reconciliation

  • Ensuring quality control at all times (limiting damages and shrink)

• Managing the setup, operation and breakdown of each market. 

  • Set up tables, tents, etc.

  • Organize inventory and produce displays

  • Breaking down tables, tents

  • Proper storage of market equipment and remaining inventory

• Managing produce stand associates

  • Assign and provide direction on market tasks

  • Manage employee break schedule

• Handle cash, credit, and SNAP EBT transactions at the market. 

•  Reconciling SNAP EBT receipts, end of market sales vs. inventory

• Compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

• Community engagement when necessary

  • Includes canvassing

• Communicate effectively in all modes of communication with FAFM senior staff.

Requirements: 

• Availability for all market days

• Day to day duties include operation of company owned vehicles (inventory pickup from suppliers, transportation to the market) which requires employee to be covered under company insurance policy. Valid driver's license with no record of at-fault accidents in last 5 years.

• Work in an outdoor environment in adverse weather conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• 1-2 Years of cashiering experience

• 1-2 Years of customer service experience 

• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours 

• Experience driving cargo vans and larger vehicles 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1-2 Years of sourcing/purchasing experience with a focus on fresh produce 

• Previous experience working in farmers markets is a big plus.

• Experience working in Chicago’s Austin community

• Strong communication skills, including written and verbal.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline