Volunteering with Hollygrove Market and Farm

Recently, I volunteered at the Hollygrove Market and Farm. Hollygrove, whose main location is 8301 Olive St., provides locally farm-grown produce, dairy, breads and meats to New Orleans residents.

The communal vibe at the market was immediately evident—most of the workers at the market were volunteers. We hauled out crates of produce, setting up the “Buyers Club” table (where, for $25, buyers get a bag of pre-selected seasonal fruits, vegetables and grains), as well as stocking the “Lagniappe” section of the
market, where buyers can make à la carte choices. Other workers sorted and weighed bags of beans, rice, and mushrooms. In the midst of this, local farmers brought their own bounty to be sold at the market.

Soon the market opened and customers began pouring in. We worked to keep the bins stocked, going back and forth to the freezer to retrieve more boxes of vegetables. We greeted customers, directed them to various items, showing some how to navigate the market and talking to others about the changes from last week’s
offerings.

Volunteering at the market not only allowed me to meet a few new people, but it also allowed me a behind-the-scenes look into the agricultural community that is gaining prominence in New Orleans. This is a city that has always celebrated its cuisine—hopefully we can continue the move toward celebrating and supporting the
farms that produce it.

To volunteer at Hollygrove Market, contact Bill Pastellak, Volunteer Coordinator, at bill@hollygrovemarket.com.