Garden to Go kits are take-home program kits that allow families to experience nature on their own time while learning new things and developing new skills. Each kit has seeds, plants, and educational resources to help give people the opportunity to grow a vegetable garden on their own. There are benefits of being outside in nature while planting and caring for plants, and harvesting produce and flowers adds that extra level of benefit. The main goal is to provide tools for empowerment in food choice and increased access to healthy produce in areas struggling with food insecurity. Volunteers will support the program team to distribute the kits for individuals and families to pick up at the outreach location. These outreach opportunities are community partner food pantries. The programming team is looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic, personable, and able to compassionately assist people from many different backgrounds and walks of life without judgment.
Impact
Each year, we aim to assemble and distribute 750 or more kits to families and individuals in our community who live in areas designated as food deserts or who struggle with access to fresh produce. By volunteering to assist with this program, you’re making a BIG impact and helping empower people with food choices and increased access to healthy produce in our community!
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants.
- Assist staff lead in passing out kits at an outreach location.
- Ensure each participant receives a survey.
- Answer questions regarding MetroParks as you are able.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
- This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Location is at With God's Grace Food Pantry, in downtown Dayton. Volunteers and staff will park near 622 Springfield Street (45403). More specific directions will be sent in a follow-up email once you respond. Our tent will be near the end of the distribution line, and you will be able to see it when you arrive.
- Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers will need to be friendly, compassionate, able to stand for long periods, and able to lift up to 25 pounds. Kit distribution will be at outside locations. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.).
- Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and apparel. A volunteer vest will be provided if you have not yet earned a volunteer shirt. Dress for the weather and bring a prefilled water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen if needed.
Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275, or join us at a Volunteer Open
House
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:
