Volunteer FAQ
Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions
What do volunteers do at Forgotten Harvest?
There are several volunteer opportunities at Forgotten Harvest. If you do not see one of the opportunities listed below on our Events Listing Page, please contact the Volunteer Manager, Marci Fitch, at mfitch@forgottenharvest.org or 248-967-1500 x 125 for more information.
Warehouse Re-Pack – Volunteers help to re-pack surplus perishable food into family size portions which are then delivered to over 250 emergency food providers.
Harvesting – Volunteers are needed July-November to help harvest fresh produce at our Forgotten Harvest farms.
Ride A Long - Ride along with one of our drivers and see first hand how our harvesters make a difference every day in the lives of those in need of food. You must be able to lift at least 30 pounds and be at least 18 years of age.
Food Shows – Volunteers collect food products and samples left over from the exhibit, vendor tables and booths at the end of the show.
Administrative – On an as needed basis, we also have administrative tasks such as receptionist, preparing mailings and data entry.
Speakers Bureau– Volunteers speak on behalf of Forgotten Harvest to various organizations to inform the community, motivate individuals and generate support for Forgotten Harvest.
Special Events – We have several special events throughout the year where volunteers are needed such as Stuff the Truck, Busch’s Season of Caring, Wine Tasting Fundraisers, Comedy Night, and many more.
Are there any age restrictions to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
What is the registration process to volunteer?
Individuals can either sign up on-line at forgottenharvest.org or contact the Volunteer Manager, Marci Fitch to register. Groups must register by contacting the Volunteer Manager. We do require you register in advance. We hate to turn volunteers away, but this policy ensures that there is an appropriate number of volunteers per shift for proper supervision, efficiency and safety. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail with all of the details including location, MapQuest, parking, dress code and other event details.
Do I need to complete a Volunteer Waiver Form before I volunteer?
Yes. All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Waiver Form before they will be allowed to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. If you sign up on-line, you can electronically sign the waiver by accepting our Terms and Conditions. For all others who do not sign up on-line, the waiver will be attached to your confirmation and you can complete it before you come or do so when you arrive.
Can I complete my court ordered community service at Forgotten Harvest?
Forgotten Harvest does accept individuals who need to complete court mandated community service to work in our warehouse doing food re-pack. Please follow the Court Mandated Program Policies below.
Court Mandated Program Policies
- We will not be able to accommodate you in our volunteer program if you've been charged with act of violence, harassment, sexual misconduct or identity theft. We also do not accept offences related to the possession or distribution of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines.
- You can begin your community service by attending an orientation on any day T-F at 9:00 a.m.
- You must complete your community service within our normal business hours:
--Monday –Friday 9 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
- Upon arrival, notify the Volunteer Coordinator that you are there for community service and they will provide you with a timesheet and answer any questions you may have.
- You do not have to schedule in advance and can come to work on any of the days/shifts within our normal business hours.
- Confirming your hours is your responsibility. Be sure to sign in at the beginning of each shift and have the Volunteer Coordinator verify your hours and sign off on your timesheet at the end of each shift.
- It's your responsibility to let us know once you have completed your mandated hours. Upon completion, bring the timesheet with all hours recorded to the Volunteer Coordinator and they will provide you with a letter confirming these hours.
What are your hours of operation for volunteers?
Warehouse Re-Pack – Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Harvesting – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ride A Long – 7:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
*All other events are on a case by case basis.
Can I complete my school service hours at Forgotten Harvest?
Yes. You must schedule your volunteer time through the Volunteer Manager or on-line at forgottenharvest.org. If you are under the age of 18, you must have an adult chaperone with you. You must bring in any paperwork and have your hours documented and signed by the Volunteer Coordinator each time you volunteer. We can provide you with a letter at the end of your service if required.
What if I have physical limitations?
Please let the Volunteer Manager know of any physical limitations you have before you volunteer. Our staff will work to accommodate you.
What should I wear?
If volunteering for Warehouse Re-Pack please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. Please do not wear high heels or jewelry. The warehouse does get chilly, so please bring along a sweatshirt or jacket. Upon arrival , we will provide you with a hair net, apron and gloves.
For all other events, the dress code will be detailed in your volunteer confirmation.
Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?
No. Please leave all your personal belongings and valuables locked in the trunk of your car.
I don't feel well, can I still volunteer?
For the safety and health of our recipients, if you are sick (even with a mild cold, sore throat, sniffles etc.) or have any of the following illnesses you will not be allowed to volunteer: Hepatitis A; Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, Shigella; Salmonella Typhi; Norovirus.
Where do I park?
You can park in our lot in the front of the building or on the South side of the building. Do NOT park in any of the other business lots surrounding our building or in the back of our building near the Forgotten Harvest trucks and loading dock. Our parking is limited and we strongly encourage carpooling for large groups.
What is the maximize number of volunteers I can bring for a Group?
Depending on availability --
We take groups of up to 50 for our Warehouse Re-Pack.
We take groups of 40-100 for harvesting at our farms.
Volunteer CalendarWarehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Harvest Volunteer Day - July 21, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm in Shelby Twp. You'll pick fresh produce and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
17000 29 Mile Road, Ray Township MI, 48096
Harvest Volunteer Day - July 28, 2012
THIS EVENT IS CLOSED.
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 11, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm in Casco Twp. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 12, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Springfield Oaks farm. You will pick fresh produce and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Springfield Oaks Community Service Gardens
Parks & Recreation Dept.
12451 Andersonville Rd. Oakland County 48350
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 18, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Casco Twp. farm. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 18, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Springfield Oaks farm. You will pick fresh cantaloupe and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Springfield Oaks Community Service Gardens
Parks & Recreation Dept.
12451 Andersonville Rd. Oakland County 48350
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 19, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Shelby Twp. farm. You will pick fresh produce and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Shelby Township
5595 Auburn Rd.
Shelby Twp., 48137
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 25, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Springfield Oaks farm. You will pick fresh melons and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Springfield Oaks Community Service Gardens
Parks & Recreation Dept.
12451 Andersonville Rd. Oakland County 48350
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 25, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Casco Twp. farm. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Harvest Volunteer Day - August 26, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Springfield Oaks farm. You will pick fresh produce and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Springfield Oaks Community Service Gardens
Parks & Recreation Dept.
12451 Andersonville Rd. Oakland County 48350
Harvest Volunteer Day - September 1, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Casco Twp. farm. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Harvest Volunteer Day - September 8, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Casco Twp. farm. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Harvest Volunteer Day - September 15, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm at The Casco Twp. farm. You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day.
The farm is located at:
Casco Township
3800 Church Rd. Casco Twp. 48064
Near Richmond
Warehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Warehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Warehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Warehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Warehouse Repack Volunteer Experience
Count on a three hour memorable volunteer experience that will bond your group together for years into the future. Plan to arrive at 10:00 sharp and watch the time disappear as you re-pack fresh nutritious food destined for the table of those in need.
Please note, purses and/or personal items should be left at home and open-toed shoes or shoes with heels can not be worn while volunteering.
Harvest Volunteer Day- August 4, 2012
Get your work clothes on, wear a good hat and get ready for a great day on a Forgotten Harvest Farm! You will pick fresh sweet corn and help us load a Forgotten Harvest truck that will be on its way to the tables of those in need the very next day. Some farm maintenance work will be done as well.
