A typical day for the Mobile Market team starts earlier than most may think -- typically a few hours before the first market is set to begin. Most of us roll in with coffee in hand, slightly groggy, sometimes a little rushed, but always excited for the day. We load up carts full of produce boxes and coolers, fill the vans with everything we need for our route, and take off to our destination. Some days these mornings run a little smoother than others, but the one thing that always calms the chaos is knowing you’ll have a volunteer waiting for you when you arrive at market.

The Mobile Market relies on a dedicated group of about eight volunteers each month, along with a handful of others who are always sure to sign up for a spot when their schedule allows. Operating with such a small team, our volunteers are an essential part in ensuring the success of our markets. These volunteers keep the table stocked, running back and forth to the vans as we shout what we need. They call out weights of produce, bag items, and occasionally input transactions on an iPad. For me though, our volunteers are much more than the tasks we ask them to perform.

Our volunteers have become friendly faces I look forward to seeing each week. They are a reliable sense of comfort when heading out to a busy location without another employee. Over the course of my two years at Feast Down East, I’ve gotten to know their stories and all about their families and friends, just as they have gotten to know and connect with our customers. These volunteers have become familiar faces to those we serve -- ones that are recognizably missed in their absence. They are a part of our team and what makes Feast Down East what it is.

At the beginning of the year Wilmington recognized 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers. The proclamation recognizes the essential role volunteers play across Wilmington and aims to strengthen volunteer engagement citywide. I like to think Feast Down East is a perfect example of the impact volunteerism can have on a community.

And of course, I would not be a very good volunteer coordinator if I did not take advantage of this opportunity to shamelessly plug our volunteer site. A few months ago, we joined ILM Volunteer Hub. This site aligns perfectly with Wilmington’s 2026 volunteer initiatives, as it combines all volunteer opportunities for New Hanover County non-profits into one convenient database. Here you can find all of Feast Down East’s current volunteer opportunities as well as many other opportunities across the community. I highly encourage you to take a look to find your best fit and consider joining us. Here’s the link! https://www.ilmvolunteerhub.org/

To our current Feast Down East volunteers – Thank you for all that you do and please know that you are appreciated daily and if you are someone considering volunteering with us, we’d love to welcome you at a market soon!

– Kacie Boyce | Mobile Market Coordinator