Lend a Hand at LexFarm
Volunteers are essential to operating LexFarm–a working community farm that feeds thousands of people. When you volunteer, you expand our team’s capacity and contribute to building a thriving community while learning what it takes to grow the local, organic food we all love.
We have a wide variety of opportunities available for individuals, families, and groups. While most opportunities are for those 18 years and older, we do have bi-monthly volunteer sessions with farm tasks that may be appropriate for children.
How To Volunteer
We strive to accommodate volunteers within the constraints of operating a working farm that feeds thousands of people. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for volunteers and staff alike.
All volunteers must register and sign our updated Release and Waiver of Liability each calendar year, which acknowledges the inherent risks posed by volunteering on a working farm. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the form.
Volunteer Opportunities
Field Work
Help us maintain and care for the land that feeds us. Tasks vary from week to week–they can include field preparation like spreading compost, weeding, cleaning fields to prepare for new harvests, and general farm maintenance.
Volunteers must be prepared to walk on uneven ground, kneel, bend, lift heavy items safely, and get a little dirty! The work can be challenging, but it’s also exceptionally satisfying and gratifying to take part in a little piece of your local food system. Meet by the information kiosk next to the Farm Store.
If you sign up to volunteer and can’t make it, please remove your name.
May through October
Thursday mornings: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (adults 18+)
First and third Saturday morning of each month, 10:00 am to 12 pm (all ages*)
*While all ages are welcome on Saturday mornings, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Pop-up Field Work
Year-round, variable days & times (adults 18+)
Gleaners
June through October
Fridays: 12:30 to 2:30pm (adults 18+)
Gleaners help harvest extra-abundant produce from the field, which is donated to the Lexington Food Pantry and Arlington EATS. NOTE: A confirmation email will be sent on Thursday each week, as some weeks there may not be gleaning needs.
If you would like additional information, please email [email protected].
Farm Stewardship Crew
Although the farmers and their crew manage the fields and greenhouses for growing food, we count on volunteers to assist our staff and board with all the non-farming activities that support the operation and stewardship of a welcoming community farm. Throughout the year, individual and group volunteers maintain the buildings, field edges (e.g., clearing invasive species), and the learning garden, as well as participate in beautification projects, such as planting bulbs near the front sign and entrance. If you’re interested in volunteering occasionally or regularly, individually or as part of a group when projects are organized, please contact [email protected].
Farm Store
May through October
Wednesdays-Fridays: 4:00 to 6:30 pm, Thursdays: 4:00 to 7:30 pm, Saturdays: 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Our Farm Store serves as a community hub, offering CSA distribution, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit, local cheeses, meats, condiments, breads, and more. Volunteering in the Farm Store is a great way to connect with farm visitors, customers, members, and shareholders, and to learn about farm operations.
We’re always happy to have help distributing our CSA, which entails moving produce bins, quality control, cleaning, and assisting CSA members with their pick up. Some regular availability is very helpful. If you are a student looking for service hours, you must be accompanied by an adult (18+) if you are under 16 years of age. Contact the Farm Store Manager at [email protected] for more information.
Community Volunteer Groups
April through October
Wednesday or Thursday mornings, Monday afternoons; dates scheduled with staff
This opportunity is perfect for groups looking to get outside and work together as a team. You can help us perform essential tasks while strengthening bonds among your faith communities, family, and friends.
Depending upon the season and the farm’s needs, projects for larger groups include clearing invasive species, spreading wood chips or compost, preparing fields for transplanting, maintaining the greenhouse and Farm Store, and participating in bulk harvests.A minimum of 10 volunteers is required. A donation supports the volunteer, education, and food security programs. Email [email protected].
Corporate Volunteer Groups
April through October
Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and some Monday afternoons; dates scheduled with staff
By volunteering at LexFarm, you can connect with your co-workers in a new way, in a new environment, and as part of your company’s team-building and community giving programs. At the same time, you’ll make personal connections to your local food system and contribute to important field work activities central to the running of our community farm.
We have a small field crew, so the extra hands and energy of a big group can really help us make quick work of large tasks like transplanting seedlings, moving tarps, weeding, mulching, and harvesting.
We welcome groups ranging from 10 to 30 volunteers.A donation supports the volunteer, education, and food security programs. Please register your interest in volunteering by completing the Corporate Group Volunteer Form. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out. to you. You’re also welcome to contact her at [email protected]. For more information, download the LexFarm Corporate Volunteer Group Flyer.
Community Events and Projects
April through October
days and times vary
Throughout the year, LexFarm hosts events and leads projects that engage the community in learning about the farm. All of these activities are volunteer-run. Get to know more of the farm community, take care of the farm, support our community-building efforts, and have FUN!
- Patriots’ Day Parade
- Seedling sale
- Music and Arts performances
- Harvest Festival
- Pop-up events and socials
- Lexington Discovery Day
- Arlington Town Day
Sign up for our e-newsletter to learn about how to volunteer for these events.
“What an Amazing Experience…”
… Working hands-on alongside farmers and other volunteers—whether building a hoop house, fixing irrigation, or sprucing up the farm stand — has been a rewarding way to support the farm community…”
-Mark M.
… It’s so rewarding to help reduce edible food waste and provide delicious, nutritious produce to local food pantries, and I truly treasure the camaraderie of the gleaners.”
-Erin T.
Our team enjoyed … contributing hands-on to a meaningful cause. It was a rewarding opportunity to learn more about farming and contributing to the work behind healthy food.”
-Ballentine Partners