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, the community loses out on life sustaining resources.

When volunteers do not honor their commitments, less food is able to be repacked and redistributed to our community. Our most vulnerable neighbors are then left with a greater burden in providing meals for themselves and their families.

*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 spot(s) you leave open.*

Volunteer with Forgotten Harvest

Distribution Center

Forgotten Harvest – Distribution Center

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes and 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 distribution center needs
  • Sweep distribution center floor and mop corners
  • Dust off the top of food boxes/pallets
  • Separate and bag food into gaylords
  • Put cardboard in the baler
Volunteers in the distribution center 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, like 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:

documentVolunteer Checklist & “Don’t Come If…” Information

More questions? Check out our FAQ.

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 Lori Setera at lsetera@forgottenharvest.org or (248) 302-7472. We kindly ask that groups larger than 50 call Lori to discuss the options available.

Review these resources before your Volunteer Information Session:

documentVolunteer Checklist & “Don’t Come If…” Information

Farm Locations:
9153 Major Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
Directions

More questions? Check out our FAQ.

Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help with the distribution of emergency food boxes throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This is an outdoor 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

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:

documentVolunteer Checklist & “Don’t Come If…” Information

More questions? Check out our FAQ.

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 their own vehicle and gas mileage to complete the assigned route of 4-5 food rescue locations and 1-2 agency partners/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 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 before assigning a route. Once those requirements are completed, a route can be assigned and someone from the Harvest Heroes 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: A critical part of our food rescue includes identifying quality food and packaging, monitoring date codes and labeling, and enacting temperature and spoilage control. All these and other elements to food safety will be explained during food safety training.

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the above requirements, please contact Dan Burbulla at (248)930-4255 or dburbulla@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) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) which give children access to meals when school-provided food is unavailable 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 their 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 volunteer will monitor 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 Justice For All poster). If more serious issues are found, 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 meet 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 14 years of age for opportunities outside of the warehouse.

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.

Dear Forgotten Harvest Volunteer:

On behalf of the Forgotten Harvest staff, I would like to welcome you to our Volunteer Corp. We depend greatly on our volunteers to help us fulfill our mission of relieving hunger and maintaining the health of our community by rescuing surplus nutritious food and distributing it to neighbors in need. You are at the heart of what we do and serve as the backbone of Forgotten Harvest.

The contribution of your time and efforts is deeply appreciated, and we are committed to providing you with a meaningful, engaging, and impactful volunteer experience.

Thanks, again, for helping us help metro Detroit 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 to 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.

Yes, all volunteers will sign a Volunteer Waiver Form electronically by accepting our terms and conditions, when signing up online.

Yes. You must bring in any paperwork and have your hours documented and signed by the volunteer manager each time you volunteer. We can provide you with a letter at the end of your service if required.

Forgotten Harvest’s Court-Ordered Community Service Program has partnered with the local judicial system to offer volunteer opportunities for individuals who have been ordered by the court to perform mandated community service hours. Court-Ordered Community Service volunteers will help set up re-pack stations, re-pack nutritious food into family-sized portions destined for the tables of those in need, clean up at the end of the volunteer opportunity, and assist with cardboard breakdown, cleaning, and other warehouse duties as needed.

The Court-Ordered Community Service Program requires a mandatory community service orientation, which is ONLY offered on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the Eight Mile Warehouse — you MUST register, and 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*

Work First/PATH Program
Forgotten Harvest’s Work First/PATH Program has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). These volunteers are required to complete a certain number of hours (depending on the county they reside in) to keep their MDHHS benefits.

The Work First/PATH Program requires a mandatory community service orientation, which is ONLY offered on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the Eight Mile Warehouse — you MUST register, there will be NO walk-ins. You must bring your Work First/PATH paperwork and a valid ID. Work First/PATH volunteers can ONLY be completed at the Eight Mile Warehouse.

What We Do
Court-Ordered Community Service and Work First/PATH Program volunteers will help set up re-pack stations, re-pack nutritious food into family-sized portions destined for the tables of those in need, clean up at the end of the volunteer opportunity, and assist with cardboard breakdown, cleaning, and other warehouse duties as needed.

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.

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.

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 your 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, martial or paternal status, religion, national origin, age, or 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

Tasks vary depending on the season and weather. Typical activities include planting, harvesting, crop preparation, and general farm maintenance.

It is important that you wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. Remember: You will most likely get dirty! Be mindful of the weather conditions as you will be outside. Information about attire will also be included in your confirmation email. Consider bringing water, a hat, work gloves, bug spray, a snack, and sunscreen.

Once you turn onto Major Rd., there are signs leading you to the volunteer parking area. You’ll need to pull into the second driveway on your right. 

The amount of people needed varies based on the workload for that day. Please contact the Farm Volunteer Coordinator at lsetera@forgottenharvest.org or 248-302-7472 to find a date that will work best for your group size.

We work in the rain so be sure to dress for the weather! However, if there is thunder or lightning, we will head to the barn to try to wait it out and return to work if we can.

Please contact our Farm Volunteer Coordinator at lsetera@forgottenharvest.org or 248-302-7472 before registering to discuss what you’re able to do.

Warehouse Volunteer Questions

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, like 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.

Please park in the front of the building via the parking lot entrance off of Hubbell St.

We have a 75-person capacity for warehouse volunteer opportunities Monday through Friday and a 40-person capacity on Saturdays. We DO NOT accept walk-in volunteers. Please contact our volunteer department at volunteer@forgottenharvest.org or 248-967-1500 to schedule your group.

There is a safety orientation at the beginning of each volunteer opportunity that explains the Forgotten Harvest mission and proper food safety handling practices.

Then the fun starts! Your team of volunteers and Forgotten Harvest staff will build food boxes, and sort or repack a variety of food items which will then be sent to our agency partners for distribution directly to individuals and families who need it. Some projects will require heavy lifting, no more than 20 lbs.

At the end of your volunteer experience, we’ll gather in our conference room to discuss how many pounds of food you helped get out to the community. Head home feeling proud of the good work you and your group did and get excited about your next volunteer opportunity with Forgotten Harvest!

Please let the volunteer manager know of any physical limitations before you volunteer. Our staff will work to accommodate you.