Farmers Market Recovery Mentorship Program

Through our volunteer-powered Farmers Market Recovery Program, Food Forward has rescued millions of pounds of surplus produce from farmers markets since 2012, preventing food waste and connecting communities to fresh fruits and vegetables. We love what we do, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned and mentor other U.S. organizations on their own food rescue journeys.

Are you interested in joining the Farmers Market Recovery movement?

Apply now for Food Forward’s free Farmers Market Recovery Mentorship Program to learn ways to implement or expand your food rescue program. Rescuing surplus produce from your local farmers markets can have a remarkable impact on your community and advance nutrition equity by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Interest Form

For any inquiries, please email us at [email protected].

Here are important questions and answers to guide you if you’re considering applying for our Farmers Market Recovery Mentorship Program:

Who is this for?

This program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations and farmers market managers. We welcome you if you are:

Starting A New Recovery Program: You want to rescue surplus local farmers market produce but don’t know where to start.
Expanding Current Efforts: You currently run a food rescue project but haven’t approached farmers markets yet.
Growing An Existing Program: You’re running a farmers market gleaning program and want to do more.
A Farmers Market Manager: You want to start a food rescue program at your own market. No 501(c)(3) needed.

What is the commitment?

We’re looking for dedicated partners ready to turn surplus produce into a stable food resource for their community. Here’s how we’ll work together:

Timeline: Food Forward will mentor you through a full market season, about six (6) to nine (9) months, until your program is running smoothly and independently
Consistency: You’re ready to build and maintain a weekly recovery program and keep the momentum going after the mentorship ends.
Support: Our team dedicates 10 to 20 hours per month to mentor you as you set up and grow your farmers market recovery program.

What will Food Forward provide?

Customized Support: Virtual and in-person coaching, tailored to you.
Planning Guidance: We’ll guide you with volunteer recruiting and training, connecting with market vendors and hunger relief organizations, and coordinating a smooth food rescue operation.
Our Tested Framework: We help you master every step of the recovery process.

* This Mentorship is designed to empower organizations in creating and folding into their weekly programing a sustainable farmers market recovery program.

What do our partners say?

“When we launched our market recovery programs as part of the Food Forward mentorship, farmers and agencies were immediately ready to participate. It is great to be the connecting point between two communities perfectly situated to work together and to see how this reliable source of fresh produce enables our partners to provide delicious meals and pantry distributions throughout the week.”

Sarah Bluestein
Rachel's Table, Springfield, MA

“Because of the Mentorship Program, we have increased the pounds of produce we recover, the number of donating farm partners we have, and the channels through which we can recover food, reliably reaching people experiencing food insecurity every week.”

Breanne Penkala
Hope's Harvest, Providence, RI

Download program guide (PDF)