Help Grow Food for Hunger Relief
♡ SaveAbout this opportunity
Gaining Ground is a non-profit, no-till, organic farm. At our flagship farm and satellite fields we actively cultivate 6 acres of land to grow over 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in fields interspersed with perennial hedgerows. We produce for 16 hunger relief organizations with the help of a community of volunteers and donate 100% of the food we grow. In the 2024 growing season we grew over 133,000 pounds of produce, supplying more than 2,100 food-insecure households each week in the Greater Boston region. We welcomed over 3,800 volunteers of all ages and abilities to the farm this past season.From April to October, we welcome volunteers Wednesday through Saturday each week for 2 hour volunteer sessions. Our community of volunteers is broad-based, often including:Individuals ages 15 and up volunteering independentlyFamilies with children ages 5 years old and upEducation groups: schools, colleges, alumni, homeschool coopsFaith-based groupsCommunity groups: scouts, camps, senior citizens, civic organizationsSpecial needs groupsCorporate teamsWhen you arrive, you walk out through the fields to our volunteer pavilion. You are welcomed by one of our experienced farmers and given an introduction to Gaining Ground and our hunger-relief role. Our staff explain what’s going on at the farm and the tasks they’ve lined up, based on the the skills and abilities of that day’s volunteers. Then, you work alongside the farmers -- planting, mulching, cultivating, harvesting, weeding, tarping, washing... At the end of your visit, our farm staff returns with you to the pavilion to share observations and experiences.*Important: if you are interested in volunteering with us, please sign up directly at this link: https:// gainingground.org/volunteer/ sign-up-to-volunteer/. Tha
About Gaining Ground, Inc.
Gaining Ground (Concord, MA) is a nonprofit, no-till organic farm that donates everything we grow to emergency food programs in the region.Each year, about 10,000 people of all ages and backgrounds benefit from the fresh, nutritious, and culturally-preferred food we provide. Our distribution partners include day and overnight shelters, soup kitchens, schools, food pantries, and senior centers. Our grassroots organization thrives on committed, friendly individuals who support our mission with enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and a sense of humor.Our mission is to provide free, fresh produce to people experiencing food insecurity. We do this with a diverse community of volunteers who work and learn with us on the farm. We envision a world where everyone has equitable access to sustainably-grown food. Organizational Values:Integrity—we remain true to our mission.We grow high-quality, fresh produce in a sustainable manner, respect and honor all individuals, provide meaningful experiences for volunteers, and maximize the generous support of our donors. Equity —we donate everything we grow.We believe that healthy food is a human right. We provide our produce for free to eliminate barriers to access and maximize our impact on food insecurity.Inclusion —we welcome everyone.We welcome staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and donors with diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Inspiration—we nurture joy and wonder in our fields.We cultivate an environment of discovery, belonging, and meaning.Continuous Learning —we learn from others and share our knowledge. We embrace learning, acknowledge the contributions of other cultures and individuals to our farming practices, and always look for ways to improve our operations. We readily share what we’ve learned and strive to lead by example. Sustainability—we are good stewards of the land.We are committed to modeling sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize thoughtful use of water resources; the health of our soil,
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