Urban Harvest Canvassing, Pick up and Delivery volunteers
With Black Creek Community Farm
Assignment Details
Flexible Role
Volunteers sign up according to their availability.
Hours: 3 to 9hrs/week
We aim to go out for canvassing 2-3 days a week in the month of July, preferably in the afternoon (2-5pm or 3-6pm). Canvassing shifts should last up to 3 hours. Hours/dates may change according to weather and/or volunteer/staff availability.
New volunteers should arrive 30min earlier to attend an orientation session.
Black Creek
Toronto, ON, Canada
About the Assignment
We are asking for help from volunteers from the community and beyond to sign up more participants to donate their surplus fruits and vegetables grown in their backyards. This is an exciting opportunity to engage different people in our community in a food initiative to grow and redistribute good, fresh and locally grown produce to our local food banks and meal programs.
About Urban Harvest Program
The Urban Harvest Program is a collaborative project with the City of Toronto and Black Creek Community Farm to help reduce food waste through food redistribution and preservation workshops. Volunteers have played a key role in the success of the Urban Harvest Program in 2018 by canvassing, collecting and redistributing close to 3,000 pounds of produce.
What We’re Looking For
Skills we look for:
- Commitment to principles of food justice and waste redution
- Knowledge of, and experience working with, people of Toronto’s diverse communities
- Effective communication and customer service skills
- Ability to ride a cargo bike and second language relevant to the community (Vietnamese, Italian, Spanish etc) are valuable assets
What to Expect
Main volunteer tasks (include, but are not limited to):
- Assist with Black Creek Community Farm (BCCF) Urban Harvest staff to canvass homes in the Black Creek neighborhood
- Inform homeowners about BCCF Urban Harvest Program and collect surveys/sign-ups from interested participants
- Answer questions about BCCF programs and provide a great customer service
- Pick up produce from homes up to 3km from Black Creek Community Farm riding BCCF’s cargo bikes
- Sort and bag produce to redistribute to partner organizations (local food banks, children and youth programs, seniors, and local community programming)
- Other duties as assigned
Be Prepared For
The position may involve:
- A large amount of standing and/or walking for the duration of the shift
- Repetitive tasks, including:
- Lifting and moving up to 30 pounds,
- Bending, reaching above head, crouching and kneeling
- Optional: Riding a cargo bike
What to Bring With You
As most of our volunteer tasks are outside we recommend bringing:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and/or long sleeves)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks or lunch
Incentives
We offer volunteer honorarium and fresh produce for committed volunteers