Market Match Assistant (South LA Region)

Founded in 1996, Food Access LA (fka Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA)) is a leading Southern California nonprofit organization, connecting people to healthy food, promoting economic development, and building sustainable food systems. We operate the largest network of mission-driven farmers’ markets in Los Angeles as well as programs that provide nutrition education, food access, and opportunities for small regional farms and local food businesses to thrive. 

Our programs include: 

• Operating a network of community-based certified farmers’ markets in Los Angeles.

• Piloting and championing programs that stretch public nutrition benefits for the purchase of fresh, nutrient-rich food.  

• Providing extensive nutrition education programs to low-income families and to children in underserved schools, parks, and community-based sites.

• Coordinating food relief for local families struggling with food insecurity. 

BACKGROUND:

The Market Match Assistant works under the direction of the Director, Benefits & Incentives to provide customer service and site support for the implementation of Benefits and Incentives programs, such as Market Match, at our farmers’ markets. These programs play a vital role in our food access and equity work. Market Match and other incentives for EBT and WIC users help make fresh, locally grown produce more affordable for the low-income customers we serve by providing a dollar-for-dollar “match” in the form of vouchers when they shop at our farmers’ markets. We have implemented Market Match and other nutrition incentives programs for 10+ years, and proudly offer these programs at all of our farmers’ markets. We are currently looking for support at the following markets:

• Compton College Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays, 2:30PM – 7:30PM) year-round, rain or shine
• Crenshaw Farmers' Market (Saturdays, 9:30AM-3PM) year-round, rain or shine

GENERAL DUTIES – FARMERS’ MARKETS (REGULAR MONTHLY SHIFTS & ON-CALL)

• Administer CalFresh EBT and nutrition incentives transactions for market customers. 

• Educate customers about Market Match and other nutrition incentive programs.  

• Educate customers on where to apply for CalFresh benefits. 

• Direct customers to vendors accepting WIC benefits as needed. 

• Assist with communicating important program and community updates to customers. 

• Assist with surveys of customer base if needed. 

• Assist Market Manager(s) as needed with communication about program operations and updates to farmers/vendors on market day. 

• Assist the Market Match Associate with program outreach and promotion as needed. 

• Participate in quarterly Benefits and Incentives team meetings (typically virtual). 

• Other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills desired. 

• Retail or farmers’ market experience highly desired. 

• Experience with or knowledge of farmers’ markets, food security and nutrition issues preferred. 

• Familiarity with federal nutrition benefit programs including CalFresh/SNAP/EBT, and Women Infants & Children (WIC) programs a plus. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills - comfortable communicating with the public. 

• Time management, strong written communications, and ability to work independently and proactively - direct supervisor is not always on-site but should receive regular updates from market staff. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Experience with data collection desired. 

• Introductory level knowledge and/or experience working with Excel sheets. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This role involves physical activities to effectively support the necessary functions at SEE-LA's Farmers' Markets. Candidates should be capable of performing the following tasks:

• Standing and Sitting: The employee will be required to stand for extended periods during market hours, interacting with customers and vendors. Additionally, sitting may be necessary for administrative tasks.

• Communication and Dexterity: Effective communication is crucial as the role involves interacting with customers and vendors. Using hands and fingers to operate a tablet and telephone keyboard is essential for administration of clerical work.

• Lifting and Setup: The role entails lifting tasks such as lifting boxes, setting up tents, and arranging tables. The ability to lift up to 50lbs is required for these tasks.

• Stooping, Kneeling, and Squatting: The employee should be able to perform tasks that require stooping, kneeling, or squatting, such as arranging equipment and handling inventory.

• Outdoor Work: Most of the work will take place outside, potentially in various weather conditions, including rain, heat, or cold. Candidates should be prepared to work comfortably in these conditions.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

SEE-LA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SEE-LA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.