VOLUNTEER FAQs

All ages are welcome! Please make sure you provide adequate supervision for any young children. There are lots of people and large farm equipment being used while you are in the fields and throughout the property, so we want to keep everyone safe. We encourage families to volunteer together at the Farm, and we understand that younger children may lose interest in tasks quicker than others, so the Farm also offers hands-on educational experiences for children of all ages. To learn more about these options, check out our Education page. Babies are best in a carrier (strollers can be challenging to navigate through the fields). After volunteering, please feel free to explore our nature trails, meet our animals, or chat with our team about the Farm!

Each participant must complete a liability waiver as part of the online registration process prior to arrival. Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of your session. Dress farm-friendly and for the weather—expect to get dirty and wear layers (depending on the wind, it can get cool). Closed-toe shoes only—no sandals or flip flops please. Please bring a water bottle and work gloves (we will have drinking water available for you and refills in the fields too). No experience needed—we will provide on-the-job training! Come prepared with a heart to serve...all of the food that you harvest or the work that you do to care for the Farm while you are on site benefits people in need, each and every day.

The big question...our farmers survey our crops to determine the greatest needs each morning. There are many variables that contribute to what is harvested on any given day (weather, group size/age, crop status, distribution needs, etc.). Thank you for being flexible! We begin the day with a brief orientation in our Volunteer Pavilion where you learn more about the Farm's beginnings and how this ministry has grown through the years to bless those in need. From there, you either walk or take a wagon ride to your assigned volunteer area where our staff and volunteer leaders work right along side of you providing all of the instructions you need. Typically during the season, volunteers are needed to help in the fields harvesting crops and also assist with packaging the produce in bags and boxes for distribution. Whatever activity you participate in—100% of the produce harvested at First Fruits Farm each day is donated to the hungry in Jesus’ name…and has for over 20 years!

100% of the Farm's produce (yes, all of it) is donated to those in need! The Farm has built a diverse network of now more than 100 distribution partners including food banks, shelters, schools, churches, pantries, and other food providers who serve communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Take a look at our distribution map and the our 2021 Distribution Partners here. If you or someone you know is need of food, contact 211 Maryland - 211 is a great resource to help you access basic services and support, and they will also assist in locating a food distribution site near you. Nonprofits can apply to join the Farm's distribution partner network by completing this online form.

You are welcome to bring your lunch and use the picnic tables in our pavilion. We also have nature trails that lead to a beautiful private meadow—bring a picnic blanket and eat there if you choose! (When you register, please leave us a note in the comments section if you would like to stay for lunch, especially if you have a large group.) Check out these local spots to order lunch: Old MacDonald Had a Farm Stand: Farm-fresh boxed lunches available for delivery, and they graciously donate 10% of purchases back to First Fruits Farm. Prettyboy Market: Stop here for delicious fried chicken, the “FFF Breakfast sandwich," and our favorite coffee cake! (410-357-4367) The Fill’Er Up: Awesome pizza and specials!

The Farm continues to follow CDC guidelines. Currently, masks are not required since we are outside, but you are certainly welcome to wear one at your discretion. We have plenty of room for social distancing - over 200 acres!

Harvest activities are rain or shine - unless conditions are unsafe. If we have to cancel, we’ll email everyone registered as soon as a decision is made. We are happy to sign community service hour forms after your volunteer session with us. Bring your paperwork and find one of our staff or volunteer leaders (in the FFF shirts) for a signature. Consider signing up as a Field Captain for the day. We’ll give you a little extra training so that you can help on the wagons or in other specific jobs which makes the day run smoother for all.