Market Assistant

AfriThrive Inc; Maryland; On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

AfriThrive is seeking a Market Assistant to support school and community markets in Prince George’s County. You will help prepare market sites, display foods, greet participants, and restock supplies, ensuring a welcoming environment.

This part-time role offers 20 hours per week with an hourly rate of $22–$25, commensurate with experience. Ability to travel to market locations and lift up to 50 pounds is required.

Qualifications

• Dependability and punctuality are required.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks accurately.
• Strong customer service mindset for diverse communities.
• Ability to work in a busy market setting with counting/recordkeeping tasks.
• Willingness to learn food safety practices and market procedures.

Responsibilities

• Market Setup & Food Handling: Load/unload supplies, set up stations, display food, and monitor quality.
• Participant Service: Welcome families, explain procedures, assist with packing and carrying food, and address concerns.
• Records & Market Closeout: Help with participant counts, tracking quantities, and packing remaining supplies.

Skills

Dependability

Punctuality

Instruction-following

Customer service

Team player

Travel to sites

Food safety learning

Job description

AfriThrive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity and food security for immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities. Through culturally responsive food access, sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and Food as Medicine initiatives, we connect families with nutritious foods and resources that promote healthier lives and stronger communities.

WHO YOU ARE

• A dependable, hands-on team member who enjoys serving the community.
• A welcoming communicator who treats participants, volunteers, and colleagues with respect.
• An organized worker who follows instructions, handles food safely, and pays attention to detail.
• A flexible team player comfortable working in busy school and community market settings.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Market Assistant will support AfriThrive’s school and community food markets in Prince George’s County. Working under the School & Community Market Coordinator, the assistant will help prepare market sites, receive and display food, welcome participants, replenish supplies, and complete cleanup.

This role helps each market run smoothly while ensuring participating families feel welcomed and respected.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Market Setup & Food Handling

• Load, unload, and move food, tables, equipment, and supplies as assigned.
• Set up market stations, food displays, signs, and participant service areas.
• Sort and inspect food, flag quality concerns, and follow safe handling and storage procedures.
• Replenish food displays and help track remaining supplies throughout the market.

2. Participant Service

• Welcome participants, explain market procedures, and help maintain orderly lines and service flow.
• Assist families with selecting, packing, and carrying food as needed.
• Support participant check-in and direct registration questions or service concerns to the coordinator.
• Respect participant privacy, cultural preferences, and accessibility needs.
• Work alongside staff and volunteers to complete assigned market tasks.
• Help volunteers locate supplies and follow the coordinator’s directions.
• Promptly report shortages, safety hazards, incidents, and participant concerns.
• Follow site rules and AfriThrive’s food safety and service procedures.

4. Records & Market Closeout

• Assist with participant counts, food quantity tracking, and other basic records as assigned.
• Count and pack remaining food and supplies according to established procedures.
• Clean market areas, remove waste, and return equipment and supplies to designated locations.
• Help leave each school or community site clean, safe, and ready for its next use.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

• Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to follow instructions.
• A respectful, service-oriented approach to working with diverse communities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy environment and complete basic counting and recordkeeping tasks.
• Willingness to learn food safety practices and market procedures.
• Ability to travel to assigned school and community market locations.

Preferred:

Professional or volunteer experience in food distribution, retail, customer service, warehouse operations, or community programs. Additional language skills relevant to participating families are welcome.

WHY JOIN AFRITHRIVE?

• Help families access nutritious, culturally significant foods.
• Join a supportive team committed to dignified community service.
• Gain practical experience in market operations, food handling, and participant engagement.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

This is a part-time position scheduled for 20 hours per week, with an hourly rate of $22–$25, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Shifts include market preparation, service, and closeout. Availability for assigned market shifts is required; occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be needed.

WORK CONDITIONS

This position requires on-site work at schools, community markets, and AfriThrive facilities. Work involves standing, walking, bending, loading, unloading, and lifting and moving food and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with reasonable accommodations available in accordance with applicable law.

Markets may operate indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions.