A “worker share” is the exchange of labor for a vegetable share. Montalbano Farms
creates these worker shares to give our members a greater opportunity to experience and
support local agriculture. We also recognize that not everyone can afford a share and our
worker share program allows these families to enjoy fresh, healthy produce too.
Worker Share members are a major work force on this farm. Our expectations are high.
You can choose to help us on the farm in Sandwich, Illinois or at one of our Chicago
markets (Logan Square or Rogers Park locations).
Farm and market work is difficult. The days are sometimes hot and at other times very
cold. We work in all weather, including rain and snow. You must be in very good physical
condition. There is lots of kneeling, bending, and lifting. The work is often repetitive but
every job is important to our overall success. On most days, you will be very tired after
working. A worker share makes a serious commitment of 4 hours of work per week for 20
weeks in exchange for a CSA summer share. Most worker shares will begin in June and
continue through October. We also have a limited number of worker shares that start
before June and others that end after October.
Farm Worker Share:
On the farm, we work from Tuesday –Saturday, 6am – 2:30 pm, with a lunch break from
11 – 11:30am. In the early spring and late fall, as the number of daylight hours are less, we
work from 7am – 3:30pm with lunch from 11-11:30.
You will choose a 4 hour shift during our regular working hours and keep the same shift
throughout the season. You are welcome to join us for lunch. Please keep in mind that
lunch does not count toward your 4 hours. For example, if my shift included lunch, it
would be from 10am – 2:30pm, or 8am – 12:30pm, etc.
Market Worker Share:
You commit to a shift and work that shift for the entire season.
Shift options: Sundays at Logan Square, 8-12, or 10-2, or 12-4.
Sundays at Glenwood Market, 7:30-11:30, or 11-3.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKER SHARES
What will I be doing?
On the Farm: You will be involved in all aspects of vegetable harvest and post harvest
including washing, bagging, bunching, weighing, counting and sorting vegetables and
herbs. You may weed, trellis, transplant, seed and mulch. There are some jobs that you
will do only once, while others will be repeated week after week.
At Market: Worker shares at the market will also perform a variety of tasks. All shifts will
be responsible for assisting customers with purchases and questions as well as replenishing
the market stand. Depending on your shift, you may be unloading and setting up the
stand, or tearing it down and loading it into our vehicle.
I’ve never done farm work before. How will I know what to do?
We will explain each job. You need to be able to listen, follow directions and work hard.
Talking, of course, is perfectly acceptable but it must not get in the way of the job at hand.
This is a business with very tight margins and we need workers who can help us get the
work finished in a timely manner.
Can I share the responsibility with my spouse, partner, housemate, etc.?
We rely on the experience you gain throughout the season. For this reason, we prefer that
only one person makes the commitment. In special situations, it may be OK to send a sub
or reschedule your work commitment.
Is there a difference between the morning and afternoon shifts?
This depends on the day you choose to work. The end of the week is our busiest harvest
time. On these days mornings will be spent harvesting in the fields as well as processing in
the pack barn. Afternoons may also include harvest and pack shed time, cleaning the
space, packing shares, or other farm projects/field work. Days earlier in the week will
likely be heavier in field work. This includes planting and weeding.
When does the worker share begin?
The work begins the first week of June and continues through the end of October. It
coincides with our growing, harvest, and delivery seasons. This is when we need the most
help. We do have worker shares that begin before June and others that end after October.
Contact us about these if you are interested.
Can I work for an every other week share?
No. We need workers to commit to the entire season.
Can I bring my child along?
No. We are working hard and the work is not suitable for children. We do offer lots of
other opportunities for children to visit the farm.
Can I bring my dog out with me?
No. We love dogs as much as anybody but it's just not the right environment.
What if I need to miss a shift because of vacation, illness or other conflict?
You can make up your shift. You can do this by working a double shift or two shifts in
one week. Please give us plenty of notice so that we can work out the details.
Can I work evenings or weekends?
Not on the farm. We do the farm work during the day, during our work week. But we
certainly welcome volunteers, so if you really would like to become involved, give a call
and we can work something out. We do have worker shares at the markets on Sundays.
What if my schedule changes mid season?
If you know your schedule will be changing mid season we can talk about it and plan
accordingly. If your schedule changes unexpectedly mid season, we will work with it. In
either case you will be able to switch to another shift that fits your schedule.
Is there an orientation?
Yes. We will hold an orientation the second Saturday in May for all new and returning
farm worker shares. Market worker shares will be contacted by phone or email in mid
May for a market review.
After looking at all of this I would like to do a worker share. What should I do next?
Call the farm and talk to us about this opportunity. You can telephone Christina at (630)
882-8008 or email her at christina@montalbanofarms.com
We will discuss details and specifics and make the final decision together.
(thanks to Vermont Valley Community Farm for providing a model for our worker share program)
|
|
