Volunteer Opportunities

The White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank Gardens are collaborative growing spaces located at the White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank and the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre. Maintained by volunteers, the gardens produce fresh vegetables and herbs that are donated directly to the food bank to support local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

These gardens not only provide healthy, locally grown food, but also create opportunities for community connection, learning, and volunteer engagement while promoting sustainable gardening practices and food security in the community.

We are looking for a Garden Lead to support the volunteer team in planning, planting, harvesting and maintaining the two gardens.

To be successful, volunteers must:

• • Be 18+ years of age.
  • Have experience or knowledge related to vegetable gardening, urban agriculture, or community gardening.
  • Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Have the ability to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
  • Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Be flexible, detail oriented, and possess the ability to take initiative, accept direction, and work effectively in a lead role in a team environment.
  • Have the ability to work well with diverse client populations and relate to individuals across all socioeconomic and cultural groups.
  • Have an awareness and understanding of poverty, mental health, disability, and trauma, particularly as it relates to food insecurity.
  • Be willing to secure a Criminal Record Check (at no cost to Sources volunteers). All positions have been designated by Sources Community Resource Society as requiring a Criminal Records Review prior to an applicant being employed in this capacity. Certain police records may preclude the appointment to certain positions.

Tasks include:

• • Coordinate and lead volunteers in all garden activities including planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, pruning, and seasonal garden maintenance.
  • Organize volunteer work party dates, schedules, and activities in collaboration with Sources and community partners.
  • Communicate regularly with volunteers regarding garden updates, schedules, and opportunities.
  • Support volunteer orientation, training, and engagement to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Plan and coordinate seasonal crops to maximize fresh food production for donation to the food bank.
  • Harvest, track, and coordinate delivery of produce to the Sources White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank.
  • Monitor the gardens for pests, disease, irrigation needs, and overall garden health.
  • Coordinate expenses for maintenance, supplies, and equipment with Sources.
  • Maintain communication with the Food Bank Manager regarding activities, needs, issues, and successes.
  • Ensure that Sources’ Policies and Procedures are followed, as well as the operating procedures of the Sources Food Bank program.
  • Ensure that the rights, dignity, and confidentiality of all clients and volunteers are maintained.

Time Commitment:

• • This opportunity requires a minimum 1-year commitment. Days and hours will vary depending on time of year; with most activities taking place April to October.

Location:  South Surrey

Benefits of this position:

This role supports local food security efforts by increasing access to fresh, healthy produce for food bank clients while fostering community connection, volunteerism, and sustainable food growing practices.  We invite you to be part of a critical and essential service with far-reaching, significant impacts.

WANT TO APPLY?

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in more information about this opportunity or other volunteer positions with Sources, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@sourcesbc.ca or 604-542-4357.