Volunteer
Volunteer with CHP
Make an Impact
We are excited to open our 2025 volunteer season for group volunteers and look forward to working with you in the fields this Spring and beyond. Help grow, tend, and harvest fruits and vegetables for our neighbors experiencing hunger. Your efforts impact the lives of many in our community who do not have access to proper nutritional resources. Gather family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and groups you participate in, to spend a morning in the fresh air and get your hands in the dirt.
We welcome volunteers Monday through Saturday, May 5 through mid October from 9:00 am to Noon (excluding holidays) at the Grafton farm. Scheduling at the Community Harvest Project Harvard apple orchard begins mid-summer, please look for that announcement in June.
As an ALIVE certified Service Enterprise you can be assured your team will have a great volunteer experience. To request a group volunteer visit please fill out and submit this form. To ensure we can provide a mission-driven experience and provide needed resources to our neighbors, Community Harvest Project requires a corporate donation for volunteer shifts. This donation is in support of feeding over 60,000 neighbors seeking hunger relief service in our community.
We are a working farm! All activities take place outside. Wear seasonally appropriate clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty, closed toe shoes, and a hat. Wear sunscreen and carry a refillable water bottle.
Become a Team Leader
Team Leading is a rewarding hands-on experience guiding diverse groups of volunteers in farm activities. Volunteer Team Leaders are the backbone of Community Harvest Project’s success story. Our Team Leaders work with CHP Staff and Interns to represent the organization and ensure a positive experience for thousands of volunteers who visit us.
What does a Team Leader do?
A great Volunteer Team Leader has a friendly and engaging personality and leads small groups of volunteers in hands-on farm activities to support our mission of educating and engaging volunteers to grow fruits and vegetables for hunger relief. If assisting and leading diverse groups of volunteers from pre-K to senior citizens in farm activities in various types of weather sounds like an exciting challenge, then this role is for you! Join our Team Leaders and get your yellow hat! Email volunteer@community-harvest.org with questions!
Other Opportunities to Get Involved
Special Crews
- Tuesdays – Weekly support crews assisting the farm team with operational projects
- Pruning – Tree pruning at our Harvard orchard from January through March
Volunteer in Grafton
Make an Impact
Volunteering in Grafton
We look forward to seeing you soon.
General Guidelines
Help grow, tend, and harvest fruits and vegetables for our neighbors experiencing hunger. Your efforts impact the lives of many in our community who do not have access to proper nutritional resources. Gather family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and groups you participate in, to spend a morning in the fresh air and get your hands in the dirt.
In Grafton we welcome volunteers Monday through Saturday , May through mid-October from 9:00 am to Noon (excluding holidays) at the Grafton farm.
As a certified Service Enterprise you can be assured your team will have a great volunteer experience. To request a group volunteer visit please fill out and submit this form.
We are a working farm! All activities take place outside. Wear seasonally appropriate clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty, closed toe shoes, and a hat. Wear sunscreen and carry a refillable water bottle.
Please read the location specific Frequently Asked Questions document prior to your volunteer shift. You’ll be glad you did. 🙂
Schedule a Volunteer Group
The Grafton Farm hosts groups up to 100, May through mid-October – Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. Volunteers under 16.5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Review our Corporate Giving page prior to requesting a volunteer visit, as we have new required donations for corporate groups.
Individual Drop In Volunteers
During the season, individual volunteers help whenever they are able without needing to schedule a visit. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to noon (excluding holidays) for Drop In volunteering May 5th through Mid October. All ages are welcome, volunteers under the age of 16.5 must be accompanied by an adult.
We are a working farm! All activities take place outside. Wear seasonally appropriate clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty, closed toe shoes, and a hat. Wear sunscreen and carry a refillable water bottle.
Grafton Farm FAQ
1. What will I do on the farm when I volunteer?
Depending upon the season you could be planting, weeding, harvesting, tending, picking, packing, washing fruits and vegetables. You might make boxes, label and weigh produce – whatever the needs of the farm are on that day.
2. What should I wear?
Sturdy closed toed shoes are a must. Any type of sandal or open toed shoes are not allowed. Work boots are better than sneakers in the fields. Comfortable clothing that protects you from sun, wind, rain or whatever the current conditions are that day. Clothing that allows you to bend stretch lift, and that you are OK with if it gets dirty, muddy, or wet.t. Work boots, if you have them, can be better than sneakers in the fields. We will provide work gloves, but feel free to bring your own.
3. How long is each volunteer shift?
In general, each shift runs from 9:00 am to noon. There are exceptions to this as in rare cases we have shortened shifts due to inclement weather (thunder / lightning) and heat advisories, but plan to be busy for approximately 3 hours.
4. What happens if it rains?
Plan to get wet. 🙂 Wear gear to protect you from the elements. If there is thunder or lightning, we take shelter and would likely cancel any remaining time of the shift.
5. How do I know what to do and how to do it?
We have a host of wonderful Team Leaders that bring each group to their farm task. Team Leaders explain what needs to be done and how best to do the task. Ask them any questions about CHP, our mission, and the foods we grow – they are informative and engaging.
6. What if I forget to bring something I need?
We can help but it’s best to remember to wear sunscreen and to bring your own refillable water bottle. You can refill your water bottle inside the barn. (Please do not bring single use plastic water bottles if possible.)
7. Are there bathrooms onsite?
Yes. There are restrooms inside the barn and additional portable toilets on the property.
8. Is there free parking onsite?
Yes. If your group is especially large, we ask that you please encourage your team to carpool. There is free parking at the Mass Pike commuter lot (exit #96) and at the Stop and Shop at the bottom of Wheeler Road (100 Worcester Street in Grafton) where you can park and then carpool up the hill. If using the Stop and Shop lot, please park at the back, away from the shop entrance. For more info on parking, please click here.
9. I have a group that would like to volunteer together – how do I set that up?
Click on this link and fill out the form with your preferred dates and we will contact you with confirmation.
10. I really liked volunteering! How do I find out about all the possible volunteer opportunities?
There are many ways you can help. These include becoming a team leader, drop in volunteering, bringing a group and more which can ll be found on this page.
We also need specialty crews -Greenhouse, pruning, mowers, Tuesday crew, etc. Contact Wayne McAuliffe to find out if one of these crews is right for you at 774-551-6544
11. What do you grow at Community Harvest Project?
Much of what we grow depends on what our farmer has planned for the season. Most seasons we grow tomatoes, zucchini, soft and hard squashes, lettuces of all types, eggplants, onions, kale, Swiss chard, apples, peaches, flowers, and blueberries.
12. How does Community Harvest Project grow so much food?
With your help! Thousands of dedicated volunteers come each season to pick, pack, weed, tend, harvest, and prepare our fruits and vegetables for distribution to our partners. Volunteers come as individuals, families, and groups. The CHP team includes our Farmers, Team Leaders, Interns, office support staff who plan and prepare our fields and orchard for the growing season, as well as handle volunteer efforts, fundraising and community outreach.
13. What’s up with the soap on sticks?
We use Irish Spring soap as a deer deterrent as the deer don’t like the smell.
14. How can I donate?
Thank you for asking! Please click here to donate online. Or, mail a check made out to Community Harvest Project to: CHP 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA 01536
15. How do you get the food you grow out to people who need it?
We partner with food banks and pantries to help distribute fresh fruits and vegetables grown on our farms to those in need in Eastern and Central Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about our hunger relief efforts and community partners.
16. Can I get Community Service hours volunteering with CHP?
Yes. Make sure to pre-register (1st visit) and subsequently sign in each time you volunteer, so you get credit for your visit.
17.How can I become an intern for a season?
For information about our intern program please send your inquiry to Wayne McAuliffe at wayne@community-harvest.org
Parking Information
As we are an active farm proper parking is key to being able to host an event concurrent with our volunteer program. With that we ask that you properly notify event participants of how to park in our unlined parking areas. We need to ensure the safety of all visitors as well as provide access for emergency vehicles if needed. Thank you for your assistance and partnership on this matter.
Volunteer in Harvard
Make an Impact
Volunteering in Harvard
Volunteering at our Harvard location with Community Harvest Project provides a unique and fulfilling opportunity to address food insecurity in a meaningful way. By joining us on this important mission, you can actively contribute to sustainable farming practices while helping us cultivate a diverse selection of fresh produce that directly supports those in need. Not only will you have the chance to connect with the land and gain insights into sustainable agriculture, but you will also play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to nutritious food for all members of our community. Together, let’s cultivate a resilient and inclusive food system that nourishes and empowers our community at the Harvard location! As a note: we do not offer drop in volunteering in Harvard.
General Guidelines
The orchard schedule is now open for group volunteer requests! Help grow, tend, and harvest fruits and vegetables for our neighbors experiencing hunger. Your efforts impact the lives of many in our community who do not have access to proper nutritional resources. Gather family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and groups you participate in, to spend a morning in the fresh air and get your hands in the dirt.
In Harvard we welcome volunteers (high school age and above) from August 27 to October 17 – Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to Noon.
We are a working farm! All activities take place outside. Sturdy closed toed shoes are a must. Any type of sandal or open toed shoes are not allowed. Work boots are better than sneakers in the fields. Comfortable clothing that protects you from sun, wind, rain or whatever the current conditions are that day. Clothing that allows you to bend stretch lift, and that you are OK with if it gets dirty, muddy, or wet. Wear sunscreen and carry a refillable water bottle.
Please read the location specific Frequently Asked Questions document prior to your volunteer shift. You’ll be glad you did. 🙂
Schedule a Volunteer Group
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER A GROUP →
We can occasionally support small groups for special projects outside of the harvest season. Please contact us at volunteer@community-harvest.org for more information.
We are excited to open our 2025 orchard volunteer season for group volunteers and look forward to working with you at the orchard this fall. Help harvest, sort and package fresh fruits for distribution to our neighbors experiencing hunger. Your efforts impact the lives of many in our community who do not have access to proper nutritional resources. Please note that this year’s crop looks to be smaller than last year, so this year’s schedule will fill up quickly. This year we can host groups of up to 30 (high school age and above) volunteers per shift at the orchard.
We welcome volunteers Monday through Friday, August 27 through October 17 from 9:00 am to Noon (excluding holidays) at the Harvard orchard. We are continuing to schedule groups at the Grafton farm as well if you would like to consider a visit there.
This can be a great team building experience while volunteering at our beautiful orchard. To request a group volunteer visit please fill out and submit this form.
Review our Corporate Giving page prior to requesting a volunteer visit, as we have new required donations for corporate groups.
Harvard Orchard FAQ
1. What will I do at the orchard when I volunteer?
Usually you will spend time picking, sorting, bagging, and boxing apples. In general, tasks will be whatever the needs of the orchard are on that day and depend upon the time of year you visit the orchard.
2. What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that protects you from the current conditions that day. Clothing that allows you to bend stretch lift, and that you are OK with if it gets dirty, muddy, or wet. Sturdy closed shoes toed are a must. Work boots, if you have them, are helpful. We will provide work gloves, but feel free to bring your own.
3. How long is each volunteer shift?
In general, each shift runs from 9:00 am to noon. There are exceptions to this as in rare cases we have shortened shifts due to inclement weather (thunder / lightning) and heat advisories, but plan to be busy for approximately 3 hours.
4. What happens if it rains?
Plan to get wet. 🙂 If we hear thunder or see lightning, we take shelter and any remaining time left in the shift would likely be canceled.
5. How do I know what to do and how to do it?
We have a host of wonderful Team Leaders that will explain what needs to be done and how best to do it. Ask them any questions about CHP, our mission, and the varieties we grow – they are informative and engaging.
6. What if I forget to bring something I need?
We can help but it’s best to remember to wear sunscreen and to bring your own refillable water bottle. You can refill your water bottle in the barn. (Please do not bring single use plastic water bottles if possible.) We will provide all tools needed for the work you will do.
7. Are there bathrooms onsite?
Yes. There are two restrooms inside the barn at the orchard.
8. I have a group that would like to volunteer together, how do I set that up?
Click on this link and fill out the form and we will contact you with confirmation.
9. I really liked volunteering! How do I find out about all the possible volunteer opportunities?
There are many ways you can help. These include bringing a group to volunteer, becoming a Team Leader, assisting with pruning trees, Tuesday Crew, etc. If one of these opportunities is right for you please contact us at volunteer@community-harvest.org.
10. What do you grow at Community Harvest Project?
We grow fruits and vegetables. Much of what we grow depends on what our farmer has planned for the season. At the orchard we grow a dozen varieties of apples, peaches, and we even have a field of asparagus! At the farm, most seasons we grow tomatoes, zucchini, soft and hard squashes, lettuces of all types, eggplants, onions, kale, Swiss chard, apples, peaches, flowers, and blueberries.
11. How does Community Harvest Project grow so much food?
With your help! Thousands of dedicated volunteers come each season to pick, pack, weed, tend, harvest, and prepare our fruits and vegetables for distribution to our partners. Volunteers come as individuals, families, and groups. The CHP team includes our Farmers, Team Leaders, Interns, office support staff who plan and prepare our fields and orchards for the growing season, as well as handle volunteer efforts, fundraising and community outreach.
12. What’s up with the soap on sticks?
We use Irish Spring soap as a deer deterrent as the deer don’t like the smell.
13. How can I donate?
Thank you for asking! Please click here to donate online. Or, mail a check made out to Community Harvest Project to: CHP 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA 01536
14. How do you get the food you grow out to people who need it?
We partner with food banks and pantries to help distribute fresh fruits and vegetables grown on our farms to those in need in Eastern and Central Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about our hunger relief efforts and community partners.
15. Can I get Community Service hours volunteering with CHP?
Yes. Make sure to pre-register (1st visit) and sign in each time you volunteer, to get credit for your visit.
16.How can I become an intern for a season?
For information about our intern program please send your inquiry to Wayne McAuliffe at wayne@community-harvest.org