Volunteer Policies

Minimum Age

Because there is such a desperate need among our poorest citizens for the protein foods that are crucial to the growth & development of children and the health & well-being of adults,  Garden Harvest is establishing a milk donation program. Just as Garden Harvest has been the first farm to grow fruits & vegetables and eggs just for the hungry, the milk project will be one of a kind: the only Grade A commercial dairy, bottling plant, & egg facility in the country created specifically to give hungry people access to high quality protein foods.

Because much of the work involves construction,  there is concern that young children could be injured by wandering into unfinished areas. Therefore, until the construction is completed, for the safety of the children, Garden Harvest must limit volunteer groups to persons of 16 YEARS AND OLDER. 

Even with 16 year olds, we must take steps to ensure the safety of everyone participating: Specifically, we request that any School groups larger than 10 students select a team leader for every additional group of 10 students. Team leaders are adult teachers or fellow students who have natural leadership ability, ones who command respect from their peers. Garden Harvest's supervisor will instruct & train the team leaders in the task at hand. Then she will supervise one subgroup of 10, and the team leaders will supervise the other subgroups of 10.

Examples: If a group of 100 people come out, we will need 10  team leaders, each to be in charge of a specific subgroup of 10 volunteers. A group of 200 will need 20 team leaders. A group of 50 will need 5 team leaders;

Volunteers are welcome every other day during the growing season.  That means one week, volunteers will come Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday; and the next week they will come Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.  Please call 410-526-0698 to sign up.

On volunteer days, volunteers are welcome anytime between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4PM. Exceptions to this rule are for committed volunteers who want to learn and practice animals husbandry. Those select volunteers come at 8 AM at least once a week to help feed and care for the goats, sheep, chickens, and guinea hens.

• Spot-a-Pots are available.  We use hoses to clean hands. For any serious bathroom needs, volunteers can be taken to Garden Harvest offices at 2032 Geist Road.
• Volunteers are welcome to bring lunch - refrigerator is available for small groups or individuals. Large groups should bring coolers. Please keep the grounds clean by taking your trash with you when you leave.
• Drinking water is available at all times.
• Volunteer groups can conclude their service day with a reflection session to synthesize their experiences and to bring closer to their group project.

• Wear comfortable, old clothes and tough shoes.
• Wear "layered" clothing; i.e.: wear sweaters that you can take off.
• Bring sun block and/or hat.
• Bring your own gloves or purchase a pair from Garden Harvest for $2.00.
• Tools are provided.

• The main brick house is a private residence, NOT part of Garden Harvest. So, kindly observe the privacy of the residents. All Garden Harvest staff including volunteer supervisors will meet volunteers in the field for orientation and service work. Parking is in the field.
• Since farm work necessitates close interaction with animals, bees,  and pollen bearing vegetation including ragweed, people allergic to these things should not volunteer on the farm. If they would like to do volunteer activities off the farm to support Garden Harvest, we would be happy to develop a meaningful project for them, as in fundraising, marketing, etc.
• Do not pull on tree branches.
• Do not climb trees.
• Do not bring soccer balls, footballs, and other recreational equipment. Only activities clearly related to the Garden Harvest mission to alleviate hunger are appropriate.

Volunteer Registration Process

Please call 410-526-0698 to register for volunteer days and times.

Commitment of Time:

•  The minimum amount of time required to volunteer is two hours. We recommend three hours, which is enough time to get something significant accomplished, but not so much time as to be exhausting even for those not in shape. However, those who wish to work longer are most welcome to do so.
• Exceptions to this rule is cancellation or curtailment of work due to rain, extreme heat, or extreme cold.