The Evolution of Labor for FDC
Some things change, some things stay the same
By Julie Pottier-Brown, Operations Manager
From 1993 to 1996, the FDC was a completely volunteer-run organization: including driving to the farm(s), managing finances, writing the newsletter and setting up the distribution (which consisted of scales and tables made up of saw horses and hollow doors.)
In 1997/1998 the FDC hired its first full-time manager. Jennifer Mix developed the model we still use today. She set up the books, designed the shares, created a budget-friendly payment plan and, most importantly, stressed creating relationships with our growers and within our membership.
Tamara and I joined FDC around the same time, though she may have me beat by a year. Tamara was the recycling coordinator for Marblehead at that time, and a friend of Jen’s. Tamara helped out with various jobs for FDC in those early years, between taking off time to mother her babies. I joined the coop in 1999 after learning about the Eco-Farm CSA through a mother and toddler playgroup. There was a checkbox to indicate my willingness to volunteer and I was called upon for opening day. A lot of volunteering that year led to being hired as Depot Coordinator for the first year of our residence in Salem.
In 2001, Jen left town to take a position with a start up magazine in Connecticut. I was offered the position of manager – which I declined. I like to joke that the co-founders Sarah and Richard tricked me into taking it. They asked if I could coordinate placing calls to rent the truck, to place orders with the farmers, if I could coordinate staffing and oversee the person writing the newsletter. They wondered if I could write up the paperwork and help split the truck. I confidently replied that yes I could do all of those things. They said “ok, you can be the central coordinator” and at our next steering committee meeting they introduced me as the new manager of the Eco-Farm. I was tricked I tell you!
Tamara came onboard that same year to manage finances, budgeting and bookkeeping as well as occasionally stepping into newsletter writing. Within a short time we joined forces as co-managers of FDC. Our roles have expanded over the years. We added a location in Melrose (2008) and a second pick up day (2010). The more we grew the membership, the more staff was needed.
Marion, FDC Assistant Manager, showed interest in working for FDC back in 2012 or so, and we are ever so grateful for that. Marion took over and improved the bread, cheese and pasta shares, keeps track of what is in the fridges and freezers and so much more.
Once we started doing our own trucking, expanding cheese to every week, and increasing the general store offerings, we eventually needed more people on staff. Today, we have 24 people who help us make this happen each week. Some step in for just an hour a week to help close a depot down, others are plugging away at well over 40 hours a week.
One aspect of FDC has never changed – we are a member-based organization. We require 2 hours volunteer time from all our members. Know you cannot help? Your dollars help pay for on call staff. We put the $35 opt out fee on accounts up front, and refund it when the hours are complete. We feel this is fair, and we hope you agree. We are a coop, pooling our resources for a better outcome.
We have a lot of staff vacations in August, and we are putting the call out for our most experienced members to step forward. If you are former staff, or a volunteer extraordinaire, please consider answering the call to be an assistant in Melrose next week.
Thank you for supporting local!
Julie
