Volunteer
We have a number of volunteer opportunities open and are now accepting volunteers. Please click on the link below to sign up.
COMMITMENT STATEMENT
We greatly appreciate you making the commitment to volunteer at Forgotten Harvest. We are truly relying on you to help pack emergency food boxes and re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Without your help, it could cost us money and in the end, the community loses out.
When volunteers do not honor their commitments, food often does not get repacked that day, and due to its perishable nature, it ends up in the dumpster – costing Forgotten Harvest money and our community’s most vulnerable a chance to eat.
*If you are not able to honor your commitment to us, please let us know at least two weeks in advance, so that we may fill the spots you leave open*
Volunteer with Forgotten Harvest
Warehouse
Forgotten Harvest – Warehouse
Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is from 9 am-12 pm or 1 pm-4 pm Monday through Saturday.
For those who have volunteered with us in the past, please note the opportunity may look slightly different. While we will still build our emergency food boxes, we may have other tasks, as we adjust to our new building. Some of these tasks may include but are not limited to:
- General cleaning and warehouse needs
- Sweep warehouse floor and mop corners
- Dust off the top of food boxes/pallets
- Separate and bag food into gaylords
- Put cardboard in the baler
Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
MANDATORY DRESS CODE
Must wear long pants & closed-toe shoes.
- NO open-toe or heel shoes (any kind of shoe exposing feet or any part of the foot. ex. sandals, sling back, or Crocs)
- NO tank tops
- NO jewelry. Wedding rings are fine. All earrings and facial piercings must be removed.
For group registration – please email the volunteer department: volunteer@forgottenharvest.org
Review these resources before your Volunteer Information Session:
Welcome to Forgotten Harvest Farms in Fenton, Michigan!
Throw on your work clothes, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for a fun day at the farm! We need your help with a variety of farm tasks, from harvesting vegetables to building picnic tables, and everything in between.
Planning a group outing? The farm accommodates groups of up to 50. Register through our farm volunteer coordinator at lsetera@forgottenharvest.org or (248) 302-7472. Groups larger than 50 – please call to discuss the options available.
Review these resources before your Volunteer Information Session:
Volunteer Checklist & “Don’t Come If…” Information
Farm Locations:
9153 Major Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
Directions
Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help with the distribution of emergency food boxes throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This is an outside volunteer opportunity. We will need volunteers to help collect information, direct traffic, and place boxes and groceries into trunks.
MANDATORY DRESS CODE
- NO open-toe shoes
- NO tank tops
The safety and well-being of our community, staff, and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest. We are monitoring the situation and taking our lead from the Michigan Public Health Department and the CDC. Forgotten Harvest can provide PPE, which will include; gloves, face masks, and face shields.
COVID-19 INFO
The safety and well-being of our community, staff, and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest. We are monitoring the situation and taking our lead from the CDC, the State of Michigan, and local government public health officials. We are asking any person considering volunteering to please practice the necessary safety precautions:
- Based on the review of the current COVID-19 transmission in our area, FH no longer requires mask use indoors, but you may wear masks/face coverings when you volunteer indoors or outside.
- FH requests all members of FH’s team and our volunteers to respect and honor the rights of others who prefer to wear masks and also respect everyone’s safety choices during this time.
- Maintain 6′ social distancing.
- Continue personal health etiquette, including frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing.
It is important to stay informed as these types of situations can be dynamic. If a volunteer opportunity is not appropriate for you and if you are interested in other ways that you can help, the latest information will be on our COVID-19 safety response page. https://www.forgottenharvest.org/COVID19/
Review these resources before your Volunteer Information Session:
HARVEST HEROES
Harvest Heroes is a Forgotten Harvest volunteer group created to rescue food throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Harvest Heroes rescues from a wide variety of food donors and delivers to designated food pantry partners. Each pick-up location averages about 50-75 pounds of food.
Each volunteer uses his/her own vehicle and gas mileage to complete the assigned route of 4-5 food rescue locations and 1-2 agency/food pantries. We aim to keep this within a 10-mile radius but due to routing and agency pairing, we may exceed this radius for some routes. Typically, the route is scheduled for once a week with an approximate 2-to-3-hour commitment. Most routes start around 9:00 am and are usually completed by noon.
Requirements/Commitment
- Vehicle Size: It is recommended that a full-size SUV is ideal to carry 250+ lbs. However, other forms of vehicles like full-size cars, vans, pick-up trucks, and others have been used.
- Commitment to the Route: Because our food donors are expecting pick-ups every week and our pantry partners rely on the food donations to feed those in need, we are looking for individuals with a long-term commitment. We do have provisions for absences or vacations, but we strongly depend on your commitment to your route assignment.
- Physical Requirements: Our food donors designate areas for their respective donations, while most of the donations will be staged in containers or boxes for transporting the food to your vehicle. In most cases, it will be your responsibility to transport the food from the donor to your vehicle and from your vehicle to the food pantry partner. The weight of the boxes will vary but both the donor and food pantry partner will assist when needed.
- Driver Requirements and Onboarding: Forgotten Harvest will require a volunteer waiver; a copy of your driver’s license and proof of insurance; authorization for a background check and a session on food safety training, all before assigning a route. Once those requirements are completed, a route can be assigned and someone from the Harvest Hero leadership will accompany you on your assigned route. You will be given a manual, thermometer, and insulated totes or blankets.
- Information Recording: Each food donor location requires the overall temperature to be taken at the time of pickup then, the food will need to be sorted by category (prepared, produce, baked goods, dairy, meat, and dry goods) weighed, and recorded.
- Food Safety: This is a critical part of our food rescue. Identifying quality food and packaging. Monitoring date codes and labeling. Temperature and spoilage control. All these and other elements will be explained during food safety training.
If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the above requirements, please email the volunteer department at: mailto:volunteer@forgottenharvest.org
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
SITE MONITOR
Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help with both Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) & Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), allowing children to be fed when school access is no longer available during the summer and evenings. Site Monitors will help ensure compliance required by the USDA and MDE during meal service times.
Each Site Monitor will use his/her own vehicle and gas mileage to travel to a variety of sites in and around the City of Detroit, supporting the meal service monitoring. While on-site the monitor will view the entire meal service and complete the required site monitoring forms. Monitors will be given proper training and supplies to help resolve any issues on site; for example, a missing USDA In-Justice for all posters. If more serious findings occur, Forgotten Harvest will request Corrective Actions and provide additional training to the sites as needed.
Commitment
Forgotten Harvest is looking for long-term volunteers to continuously support both programs at numerous sites. Schedules will vary based on # of partnerships, site needs, and meal service times.
Requirements
- Complete required Monitoring training
- Take ownership of paperwork requirements and report any non-compliance
- Recommend sites for training sessions when needed
- Background Check
- Reliable Transportation
- Valid Driver’s License and Auto Insurance
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Flexible availability and willingness to adjust the schedule for last-minute needs
If you are interested in this opportunity and the above requirements, please email the volunteer department at: volunteer@forgottenharvest.org
More Ways to Get Involved
There are always ways to help out at Forgotten Harvest. If you don’t see a specific opportunity of interest, contact our volunteer manager at volunteer@forgottenharvest.org.
Skilled Volunteers
We have many opportunities for volunteers with specific skills or training in things like general repairs, organization, and sanitation.
Food Shows
Volunteers will collect food products and samples left over from the exhibits, vendor tables, and booths at the end of the event.
Administrative
On an as-needed basis, we accept volunteers to tackle tasks such as answering phones, preparing mailings, and data entry.
Special Events
We have many special events throughout the year where volunteers are needed. Keep an eye out for our next event for volunteer information.
Long Term Volunteers
Forgotten Harvest has opportunities for motivated people looking for long-term volunteer opportunities. These opportunities are a commitment of approximately 2+ hours a week for 6-12 months, and include:
- Link 2 Feed Specialist – Volunteers will work with our partner agencies and clients to help launch and facilitate a new client intake program.
- Speakers Bureau – Volunteers will attend community events throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties to be our voice and provide information about and be an advocate for Forgotten Harvest.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Forgotten Harvest’s Kids Program is currently on hold. If you’d like to be notified in the future if our policy changes, please contact Mary Moore-Butler at mmoorebutler@forgottenharvest.org.
On behalf of the Forgotten Harvest staff, I would like to welcome to you to our Volunteer Corp. We depend greatly on our volunteers to help us fulfill our mission of relieving hunger and preventing nutritious food waste. You are at the heart of what we do and serve as the backbone of Forgotten Harvest, helping us feed area neighbors in need.
The contribution of your time and efforts is greatly appreciated, and we are committed to providing you with a meaningful, engaging and impactful volunteer experience.
Thanks, again, for helping us help area neighbors in need!
Sincerely,
Adrian Lewis
CEO, Forgotten Harvest
General Volunteer Questions
Yes. We provide important training at the beginning of the session and schedule our projects based on the number of volunteers scheduled. We’re counting on your help to get the job done!
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check each opportunity for age restrictions.
All individuals must register online CLICK HERE. Group registration must be done through the volunteer department: CLICK HERE
We do require volunteers register in advance. We hate to turn volunteers away, but this policy ensures that there are 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, parking, and dress code.
The Court Ordered Community Service Program requires a mandatory community service orientation, which is ONLY offered on Mondays at 1:30 pm at the Eight Mile Warehouse — you MUST register, there will be NO walk-ins. You must bring your court-ordered offense paperwork and a valid ID.
Court Ordered Community Service can ONLY be completed at the Eight Mile Warehouse. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Forgotten Harvest does not accept persons convicted of:
- any felony charges
- any act of violence
- sexual misconduct
- illegal drug charges
*Forgotten Harvest reserves the right to refuse any offense, not in alignment with our policies*
Forgotten Harvest at any given time can have and may have processed: Nuts, Tree Nuts, Shellfish/Fish, Wheat and Wheat Products, Soy Products, Milk and Eggs. These products are frequently distributed and stored by Forgotten Harvest. If you have an allergy to any of these allergens please consider your safety and ask for a different volunteer assignment.
At Forgotten Harvest, we strive to ensure a safe place to volunteer, and it is the responsibility of each volunteer to adhere to the following:
- Work according to good safety practices as posted, instructed and discussed.
- Refrain from any unsafe act that might endanger oneself, the people we serve or our co-volunteers.
- Use all safety devices provided for your protection- failure to comply with safety requirements could result in immediate dismissal.
- Report any unsafe situation or acts immediately to your volunteer supervisor.
- Fires or emergencies should be reported to the supervisor. If evacuation is called for, volunteers should use the closest unaffected exit in a quick and calm manner. Move as far away from the building as possible for your safety and make room for emergency vehicles.
- First aid kits are located in the front office and the warehouse manager’s office. In the event someone is in need of first aid, direct them to one of the first aid stations. In the event of an accident or injury, notify a staff person immediately. Call 911 for an emergency.
- If you are injured, report your injury to your supervisor. You will be asked to fill out an accident report.
It is the policy of Forgotten Harvest that no unauthorized firearms or weapons are permitted on/in company property. This includes but is not limited to, disabling tear gas dispensers (and similar disabling devices), guns, starting pistols, flare pistols, and pocket or hunting knife with a blade exceeding three (3) inches in length, and other objects that are intended for use as a weapon.
Volunteers are viewed as the most valuable resource of this agency, its staff, and its clients. Volunteers have the right to be given meaningful assignments, the right to be treated as equal co-workers, and the right to effective supervision. Volunteers have the right to full involvement and participation, and the right to recognition for work done. In return, volunteers shall agree to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. They will remain loyal to the goals of the agency and operate according to its procedures.
Volunteers have the responsibility to:
- Be open and honest regarding intent, goals, and skills.
- Accept only realistic assignments and have a clear understanding of the job.
- Carry out duties promptly and reliably.
- Accept the guidance and direction of your volunteer manager and fellow volunteers.
- Participate in any training required by the agency.
- Respect confidentiality.
- Discuss satisfactions, dissatisfaction, and suggestions for upgrading or changing of volunteer assignments with your volunteer manager.
- Be punctual, and notify your volunteer manager of absences as much in advance as possible.
- Be alert, sober, and drug free while volunteering.
- Accept those assignments suited to personal interests, talents, and skills.
- Participate in orientation.
- Learn about and uphold Forgotten Harvest’s policies, programs, and people.
- Act professionally, which includes respecting all confidences.
- Complete all assignments.
- Be willing to use and teach new ideas.
Equal Opportunity Policy
Forgotten Harvest maintains a strong policy of equal volunteer opportunity. We recruit, accept, train, and dismiss volunteers on the basis of personal competence and position performance, without regard to actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, citizenship status, leave status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy and/or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of Forgotten Harvest that there will be no discrimination or harassment in its programs, activities, or employment based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, marital or parental status, religion, national origin, age, mental or physical disability. Questions or concerns related to affirmative action, non-discrimination or equal opportunity should be directed to the Volunteer Manager.
Code of Conduct
Forgotten Harvest is a community-based organization dedicated to providing engaging volunteer opportunities. Participation in the organization’s Volunteer Program is subject to the observance of the organization’s rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any participant who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from the program.
- Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on Forgotten Harvest’s property or reporting to the program while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Bringing onto Forgotten Harvest’s property dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or other similar items.
- Discourtesy or rudeness to a fellow participant, staff member or volunteer.
- Abusive language towards a staff member, volunteer or another participant.
- Verbal, physical or visual harassment of another participant, staff member or volunteer.
- Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group.
- Conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others.
- Failure to follow any agency policy or procedure.
- Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any participant.
- Failing to cooperate with an adult supervisor/leader/mentor.
- Any act that involves theft of any kind.
Farm Volunteer Questions
Please contact the volunteer manager before registering to discuss what you’re able to do.
Warehouse Volunteer Questions
Must wear long pants & closed-toe shoes.
• NO open-toe or heel shoes (any kind of shoe exposing feet or any part of the foot. ex. sandals, sling back, or Crocs)
• NO tank tops
• NO jewelry. Wedding rings are fine. All earrings and facial piercings must be removed.
No. Please leave all your personal belongings and valuables at home.
You can park in our lot in the front of the building or on the south side of the building. In the event of a full parking lot, additional parking is available next door (south of Forgotten Harvest) at Greenfield Plaza – 21700 Greenfield Rd. Please do not park in any other neighboring businesses’ lots or in the back of our building near the Forgotten Harvest trucks and loading dock. Parking is limited, so we strongly encourage carpooling.
We can take groups of up to 30. Please contact our volunteer manager for scheduling and availability.
