Cultivate & Connect Volunteer Program
None of the programs, events and growing opportunities would be possible without the volunteers that donate their time and energy to the Local Food Initiative. Whether its getting into our gardens every week, or volunteering for one event - everything matters. Together we are serving the community and building a more sustainable and just food system.
Purpose: We’re on a mission to engage community members in meaningful volunteer work while fostering connection, learning, and gratitude. This program supports our community gardens, fundraising events and markets by creating a vibrant, inclusive, and rewarding experience for volunteers.
Volunteer Roles
In 2025 we need:
Garden Stewards: Help plant, weed, and maintain community gardens. We need 250 hours of volunteer time over the 2025 season to run our 5 community gardens successfully.
Harvest Helpers: Assist with picking produce and make foodbank donations.
Event Ambassadors: Support our fundraising events through the 2025 season - these events are vital to raising money that goes towards operating our gardens and educational programs. Key dates that are confirmed for 2025 are:
February 13-15 2025: Beverage garden at the 2025 Winter Carnival (setup, selling beverages, security, teardown).
September 13-14 2025: Revelstoke Garlic Festival (setup, welcome ambassadors, fundraising, kids games, workshops, teardown)
Food Skills Mentors: Teach new gardeners or children about growing food and kitchen literacy skills. Do you have skills you want to share with the community? We offer a modest honorarium, and offer our workshops on a sliding scale by donation.
Committee leaders: At the LFI we run and lead 6 important committees that guide the work of our contractors and programs. Do you have a will to contribute as a leader in the community? Join one of our committees.
Market Assistants: Support our market manager for setup, day of ambassadorship, and education markets. Our summer markets run on Saturdays from 8-1 (setup starts at 6:30am).
Incentives & Givebacks
In 2025 we’re elevating our volunteer community experience. We want the time you give to not only give you the good-feels, but for you to get some sweet community givebacks to thank you for your service to the community.
Volunteer Potlucks: Host seasonal gatherings with food grown in the gardens.
LFI membership: Volunteer a certain number of hours and earn yourself an LFI membership. Details TBD.
Milestone Gifts: Celebrate contributions with branded items like reusable totes, t-shirts, or garden tools after a set number of hours.
Workshops and Classes: Free or discounted entry to gardening, cooking, or sustainability classes.
Garden Goodies: Offer fresh produce, herbs, or flowers from the garden when available.
Training and Skill Development
Orientation Sessions (gardens & markets): Provide an overview of the program and basic gardening skills.
Skill-Building Workshops: Learn gardening, composting, irrigation, market logistics etc.
Want to volunteer & contribute to the LFI? Email info@revelstokelocalfood.com - (signup sheet coming soon).
