Volunteers are essential to the success of most all gleaning projects. In its first year, Community Harvest relied primarily on a small group of dedicated volunteers, so the second season was successfully focused on expanding the program’s volunteer base. In 2014, Community Harvest moved locations; as…
One of the main goals of the season was to inform the public about Community Harvest’s successful gleaning projects. But in terms of recruiting volunteers to participate, the project has some improvements to make. Challenges 1. New project: people were a little hesitant to get…
Recruitment There are many ways to help potential volunteers discover the fun and enriching volunteer opportunities available to them. Always start with your organization’s current volunteer base to recruit for a new gleaning program. Let your existing volunteer base know that friends, family, or affiliated…
The Harvest VISTA worked alongside the Senior Program and Education Manager to create a schedule of monthly work parties that will take place at any of the 14 parks City Fruit stewards. Depending on the season, tasks can range from digging tree circles and mulching…
Written by Jordyn Egbert, Fundraising and Development Specialist VISTA. Updated by Vera-Camille Ingressa, Fundraising and Development Specialist VISTA. Volunteer relations are managed by City Fruit’s Education and Volunteer Programs Manager. Volunteers sign-up through City Fruit’s website, which directs them to TimeCounts, where all volunteer hours…
The Green Urban Lunch Box relies heavily on volunteers, but had to alter operations due to COVID-19. Instead of recruiting one-time volunteers, GULB recruited recurring volunteers.
Another method for Urban Abundance to adapt to the pandemic was developing an entirely online harvest program.
• Extending gratitude for the farm’s commitment to reducing food waste and increasing food access
• Citing the total amount donated by partners, in pounds & servings, and telling a story of where the produce went—with testimonials from partner agencies
• A rundown of the donation totals for the particular farmer. This is an official tax document and must include key language and data. Annual copies of this documentation are saved in the shared “Operations” folder on the BAG server.
A successful gleaning program is largely dependent on the engagement of a base of committed and enthusiastic volunteers.
Iskashitaa relies on volunteer efforts in every aspect of their organization. From gleaning fruit, to answering the office phone, and serving on the Board of Directors, Iskashitaa could not operate without the robust inclusion of volunteers.