Volunteer on our Sheldon Street farm

How to prepare as a volunteer:

• Come dressed weather-appropriately. *We will be outside working on the farm* 
• Wear weather-appropriate clothes you are comfortable getting dirty in. The weather can be finicky in the spring and fall, so we recommend wearing layers. In the morning, it may be chilly, but by noon, it can become hot.
• CLOSED-TOED SHOES (no Crocs) Wear shoes you are comfortable in and you aren’t afraid to get dirty. Shoes with deep treads are best as they can grip in the dirt. 
• Bring a water bottle! It is important to hydrate, as you will be exerting your energy and need to recharge. 

What to expect as a volunteer: 

• We will be outdoors during the whole shift, but we do have some shady areas for break times
• At the beginning of your shift, our staff will introduce you to Soul Food Project and take you on a short tour of our farm. 
• After that, we will begin to work on our farm activity, which can include weeding, transplanting, and possibly harvesting, depending on the needs of that day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should volunteers wear?

We suggest dressing in layers to accommodate cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Shoes should be sturdy, and their soles should have deeper treads to prevent slipping. Ideally, shoes should be waterproof. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Is there water on the farm?

Please bring a water bottle with you. We do have a water tank at our Sheldon Street farm that you can use to refill your water bottle.

Where do we park?

We have limited street parking available at our Sheldon Street farm, but please note that you can also park at Frederick Douglass Park. If your volunteer event is at EMCC, there is plenty of onsite parking at Edna Martin Christian Center Legacy Campus & KIPP Academy

Will we still work if it rains? 

We work rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. How do we cancel a volunteer event?-We understand that things come up, so if you need to cancel or reschedule, you can email amber@soulfoodprojectindy.org

Do I need farm experience to volunteer?

No, anyone can volunteer! Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Is there a minimum or maximum number of people for a volunteer group? We prefer groups of no more than 10. However, please let us know if you have a larger group; we may be able to accommodate you!

Can people with disabilities or those who do not want to engage in physical labor volunteer? Yes! We have a variety of tasks that volunteers can help with, and we will do our best to accommodate individuals who would like to volunteer without involving physical labor.