Who doesn’t appreciate a helping hand? One of our favorite local farm-to-school organizations Edible Schoolyard NYC is always welcoming volunteers. For the duration of the fall semester though, they are currently accepting applications for kitchen classroom volunteers at both of their showcase schools (P.S. 216 in Gravesend and P.S. 7 in East Harlem) and applications for garden volunteers at their Brooklyn showcase school (P.S. 216).
If this sounds like it’s up your alley, then you best act fast — the deadline for this semester’s volunteer program is tomorrow, September 6!
The volunteer program (as compared to standard volunteer opportunities) is a weekly commitment that will run for thirteen weeks of this upcoming semester. Volunteers who have an interest and are assigned to the kitchen will assist the kitchen classroom teacher in setting up, carrying out, and cleaning up a day’s class. These volunteers will also be responsible for taking photos for social media, as well as receiving and stocking dry goods and pantry items. For this program, kitchen classroom volunteers may be placed in either P.S. 216 in Gravesend or P.S. 7 in East Harlem.
Garden volunteers will work either Tuesday or Thursday shifts at P.S. 216. Although they will not teach, garden volunteers will have the opportunity to compost, mulch, rotate crops, prune, irrigate, sow seeds, weed, and assist with the farm stand (only Thursday volunteers will participate in the harvest). Additionally, they will develop a weekly work plan with the garden manager while also assisting with the maintenance of garden facilities and equipment.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and subject line including which volunteer program they’re applying for to Program and Outreach Coordinator, Stacey Slate at ss@esynyc.org. Candidates should also specify which day they would like to volunteer, why they’re interested in the opportunity and any relevant work experience. Selected applicants must also pass a background check and get fingerprinted.
Not going to be able to make tomorrow’s deadline? Not to worry. You can still reach out to Stacey at the email listed above after the deadline has passed since ESNYC always appreciates volunteer help. The volunteer program will run again in the spring semester, with garden and kitchen classroom opportunities at both of their showcase schools, so stay tuned to their website for more details.
