Farmer's Market Economic Study Volunteers

UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County will be conducting an economic impact study on the Saturday Morning Market in order to measure the contribution the market makes to the local economy. The Saturday Morning Market first opened in 2002 and runs every Saturday from early October to late May in downtown St. Petersburg. Located in the Al Lang Field parking lot on 100 1st Street SE at the corner of 1st St and 1st Ave S, the market draws thousands of visitors each week. It is open from 9 am to 2 pm.

Volunteers are needed to accurately count the number of patrons the market has (February 20th) and to administer short surveys to gather the needed data (February 27th). The results of these surveys will provide information on both the direct sales made during the farmer’s market and the indirect impact that those sales have through an economic multiplier effect.

All February 27th volunteers will receive detailed written instructions prior to the study.

February 20th volunteers will receive instructions on site. Please look for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County faculty near the gates to Al Lang Stadium at the start of your shift.

Information gained from this study will illustrate one of the results of strong local food systems. This is an excellent opportunity for groups that are interested in any aspect of food systems or who are looking for a team activity for a group to help us better understand how Pinellas County’s local markets contribute to the local economy.

Please register to receive notifications for the volunteer training using this Eventbrite page and use the links and descriptions provided to decide which shifts you want to work.

Volunteers will receive a voucher for a drink and a snack provided by the Saturday Morning Market.

February 20th - Counters - We will be conducting a count to establish an estimate of market attendance. This step is crucial to making sure we gather enough surveys on the second study date for the results to be significant. Clickers must be able to monitor their assigned entrance area and use a tally counter to keep track of the number of patrons entering the market. The level of interaction with customers will be relatively low. 21 shifts are available.

Sign up for shifts on February 20th: http://doodle.com/poll/dxnsef7giadgbw92

February 27th - Pollsters - We will be collecting surveys to learn about the habits of people attending the market. The number of surveys needed will be informed by the attendance count taken the week before. Pollsters must be able and willing to approach market-goers, ask them a short series of questions, and record their answers. The level of interaction with customers will be relatively high. 36 shifts are available.

Sign up for shifts on February 27th: http://doodle.com/poll/u67g6r62vu6guawa

UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution