Volunteer Opportunities
Community Harvest Volunteer
The Community Harvest Program is an initiative by Sources to reduce food waste in our communities. We envision a community that shares our excess of fresh food to others who might otherwise go without. As we watch a harvest journey from being picked off a tree to being served with a family meal, we have reduced food waste and created a healthier community for all.
Community Harvest Volunteers are passionate about reducing food waste and addressing hunger in our neighborhoods. Community Harvest Volunteers bring fresh foods to communities who need it the most by picking produce from local backyards and farms and delivering the harvest to designated locations. Of the gleaned harvest, one-third respectively is given to the home-owners, volunteers and community organizations such as the local Food Bank or meal programs.
To be successful, volunteers must:
- Possess enthusiasm and passion about addressing hunger and food waste.
- Be safety-oriented, and follow safety instructions from your team lead and collaborate with team.
- Have respect for home-owners’ property and privacy; represent Sources in a professional way.
- Be comfortable working outside with all the bugs and dirt that may come with it.
- Possess an ability and willingness to work cooperatively.
- Be physically fit and able to lift heavy boxes weighing a minimum of 20 lbs.
- A truck capable of transporting boxes of produce, ladders and fruit pickers is an asset.
- Volunteers driving the Sources’ Food Truck must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license and clean Driver’s Record.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Bring a reusable water bottle, snack, hat, and sunscreen. Wear closed toe shoes for safety. We harvest even during the rain so please be weather-wary and dress appropriately. A safety orientation will be held before each harvest.
Time Commitment:
A minimum of 2 picks/month with each pick taking approximately 2 hours each. The fruit picking season runs from June to November each year; weather-dependent.
Benefits of this position:
Volunteers with the Community Harvest program have the rewarding opportunity in effecting change in a way that is hands-on and immediate. You will support local home-owners/renters in nurturing their fruit trees to encourage further growth. You will be addressing food insecurity by ensuring fresh produce is delivered to people who use the Food Bank. You will also be PART OF THE ACTION in reducing food waste to fight climate change. The benefits don’t stop there. This is an opportunity to learn more about your local community’s commitment to reducing food waste, and how food systems are affected by the seasonality of locally grown produce. Of course, you take home a portion of the produce harvested to enjoy with friends and family.
WANT TO APPLY?
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.