[Community_garden] volunteer in exchange for food?

[Sarah Bellos]

Hello everyone,

Do folks on the list have any suggestions, examples, or resources for
Volunteer Supported Agriculture systems? I help run an urban community farm
and we are looking to formalize our VSA program in which volunteers who come
out to help can take home some fresh produce/herbs/flowers in amounts
corresponding to their hours of service.

Last year it was pretty much on honor system (which I believe the Dilmun
Hill Student Farm at Cornell runs on as well) but I haven't been able to
find anything on how to structure guidelines for the exchange. Any
experiences running (or deciding not to run) this type of program would be
appreciated, especially the nitty-gritty details like how many hours would a
volunteer 'officially' need to work before the exchange would happen, etc.
Suggestions from community gardens, community farms, and for-profit farms
are all appreciated!

We typically did not do this sort of VSA exchange with any sizable service
groups that came out, it is more of an incentive for a family/individual
looking to increase household food security and to teach folks about
principles of sustainable ag in a more urban/accessible setting where they
feel they are getting something else from their time (e.g. veggies).

Thanks so much in advance! I will be happy to post/summarize any responses.

Best,
Sarah




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