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Work With Our Farmers to Grow Organic Produce
Duration
1 - 2 hrs
How Often Is This Offered?
Daily
Age Range
- K - 2nd
- 3rd - 5th
- 6th - 8th
- High School
Help Required
Family
Description
Join our farmers in hands-on tasks such as preparing the soil, nurturing the plants, harvesting and washing produce. Because of your help, we can donate all of the vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs that we grow to fifteen food pantries and meal programs in the Boston Metrowest area. This means the families who need this healthy nourishment the most are getting the best food possible, grown with the most loving care.
What's Needed To Complete
Farm work is outside and there's always something to do, rain or shine. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Bring a hat and sun protection for warmer days or jackets and rain gear for cold or wet days. Bring a water bottle and a snack.
Special Requirements
Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for volunteers. Individuals of all abilities, ages 5 years old and up, are welcome to volunteer with us. All volunteers must sign our updated digital waiver form (https://forms.gle/taV8A5yAsoP2Pczn8) in order to spend time on the farm. This waiver acknowledges the inherent risks posed by volunteering on a working farm. We request that volunteers use the designated volunteer bathroom (port-a-potty) on site and do not enter the barn. Gaining Ground staff will discuss safety protocols with volunteers and will demonstrate how to safely do the day's work.
How It Makes A Difference
Volunteers help us grow and donate over 120,000 pounds per year of freshly harvested, organic produce and flowers. Weekly June - October, children and adults in over 2,100 food-insecure households can eat high quality, fresh food that was grown and harvested earlier that day by people who care about them.
Instructions
Go to our website to read our https://gainingground.org/volunteer/volunteer-guidelines/guidelines and sign up. During the busy season, it may take 23 days for us to follow up with you, so please schedule well in advance. Sign up on our http://gainingground.org/volunteer/sign-up-to-volunteer/website for a date and time that works for you and anyone joining you as a family member or part of a larger group. Any session must be booked at least 1 day in advance of the desired date (and preferably 3 days in advance) by filling out our online form to tell us about yourself and your needs. Once the form is filled out correctly and submitted, you will immediately receive an email confirmation of your request. If you do not receive this, check that there is no missing information on the online form. Be sure to click "Submit" when filling out the online scheduling request. Since we are juggling many variables to determine the best scheduling fit, we will let you know as soon as possible if we need to shift you to another date or time. Show up ready to help the farmers and take in the joy and wonder of being in the great outdoors. Wear suitable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring water, snacks and sun protection. Still have questions? Please mailto:volunteer@gainingground.orgcontact us!
Location
Find us easily on the map!