Grow With Us

YOU Can Change the World With Food!

Every year, volunteers log over 3,000 hours with CFI.  Given the national hourly volunteer rate of $29.95, those 3,000 hours translate to $89,850 donated to CFI's mission.  But that far undervalues the actual work volunteers do.  How do you place a monetary value on making the world a better place?  

In just one hour, CFI volunteers can: 

• Tend multiple garden plots, feeding pollinators and families, strengthening ecosystems.
• Participate in a Board discussion that shapes the future of CFI.
• Purchase produce from local farmers, getting to know people growing food RIGHT HERE, working for a food system that's good for EVERYONE.
• Share food with Veggie Van customers and talk with them about favorite recipes, cultivating community and kitchen confidence. 
• Teach a School Gardens lesson, inspiring future gardeners to love nature and food.   

What will you gain from volunteering with CFI? You will know that you are contributing in any of the above ways, ultimately helping us grow a better future.  You’ll learn a ton about food and our food system, learn about life in rural Appalachia, and get to know our vast network of community partners.  You’ll learn about yourself, and learn that each one of us has the power to make a positive difference in the world.    

Ready to help us change the world with food?  Contact us today to learn more, or you can also check out our calendar of events to see volunteer opportunities. 

Below you’ll find recurring needs.  If these aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. 

Already a volunteer?  Find volunteer resources at the bottom of this page.  

Information and Resources for Volunteers

Current and prospective volunteers can access forms and documents we share during volunteer onboarding HERE. 

Incoming and current Board members can access onboarding materials, including the application form, HERE.  

Volunteer Internships

Community Food Initiatives offers part-time, unpaid internship opportunities to students and community members who are interested in food justice, nutrition, public health and gardening/sustainable agriculture. Internships can be paid if the intern is a student eligible for federal work study through Ohio University or Hocking College. Internships can also be completed for class credit. 

Fall, Winter and Spring applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. We recommend you apply at least one month in advance of your desired internship period.

Please see click on the positions below for application instructions and to learn more about opportunities for professional and personal growth at CFI.  

Large Volunteer Groups

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity for a large group?  We have periodic projects that are a good opportunity for many people to help for one or two hours, such as laying mulch, large-scale Community Garden upkeep, or harvesting. 

Volunteer groups that fit the following criteria work best: 

• Time of Year: Spring to Late Fall (April - October)
• Maximum # of hours: 2
• Maximum # of volunteers: 15
• Minimum amount of time to plan event: one month

Reach out to start a conversation!