Every Thursday when I walk into the Farm Store, one of the first faces I see is Deb. What began as a volunteer role has grown into something much more. She’s become an integral part of the rhythm of the Farm. Since joining us in May 2024, Deb has done a bit of everything: seeding, planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, and helping in the Farm Store each week. She shows up with a smile, a steady enthusiasm, and a quiet kindness that lifts the whole space.
And Deb isn’t the exception, she’s the perfect example of what happens here.
There’s something special that happens when people show up to volunteer at the Farm. It’s not just about the work getting done, it’s about the energy that comes with it. New folks arrive curious, eager, and ready to learn, and that excitement is contagious. Our volunteers shape this place as much as anything we grow. Some, like Emily, are drawn by a passion for healthy, organic food and a desire to support a local, regenerative food system. Others, like Byatris, come with deep roots in farming and a longing to reconnect with the land. What they all find is the same: a welcoming community, meaningful work, and food they can feel good about.
In return, the Farm offers knowledge, connection, fresh air, and yes… plenty of vegetables! It’s an exchange of energy that feels good on every level.
Deb says it best: "Volunteering at Ottawa Farm Fresh is awesome. It feeds my mind, my heart, and my body..."
And that’s exactly it. It’s joyful, active, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re transplanting seedlings, harvesting crops, or simply sharing a laugh with fellow volunteers, there’s always something to learn and take with you.
More than anything, it’s the sense of community that makes it special. You don’t just show up to work, you become part of something.
And then there are the tangible perks, because let’s be honest, they’re pretty great. Taking home fresh, beautiful produce that you helped grow never gets old. Add in a 15% Farm Store discount, hands-on learning, and time spent outdoors, and it’s a pretty incredible return on a few hours of your week.
Why Volunteer?
It starts as a simple idea, spending a few hours on the Farm, and quickly turns into one of the most rewarding parts of your week.
You’ll pick up real, hands-on skills like seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and all the little tricks that make farming feel like both a science and an art. You’ll reconnect with the land in a way that just feels good, and start to see your food in a different way.
You’ll also meet some pretty wonderful humans! People who care about good food, healthy soil, and being part of something meaningful. And along the way, you’ll play a real role in supporting a local food system that actually makes a difference in your community.
And the best part? You’ll likely head home a little dirtier, a little more tired, and a whole lot happier than when you arrived.
As Deb puts it:
“Volunteering on your farm brings me a lot of joy and yummy vegetables, such a win-win situation in my opinion. Great for my mental health, especially in this crazy world.”
A Role for Everyone
One of the best parts of our volunteer program is how flexible it is. There really is a role for everyone, and each one comes with its own rhythm, learning opportunities, and rewards.
Field work is where you’ll get the full farm experience: hands in the soil, working with your body, planting, weeding, harvesting, and learning the ins and outs of growing food. It’s active, satisfying, and perfect if you want to truly understand the life cycle of crops.
The Farm Store offers a different kind of pace. Here, you’ll help prepare and organise fresh produce, working closely with the team to keep everything running smoothly. It’s a great option if you want to stay involved without constantly checking the weather forecast or wondering how many layers you should’ve worn that day.
In the greenhouse, the focus shifts to beginnings and includes seeding, watering, and caring for young plants. It’s an incredibly rewarding space, especially for anyone interested in growing their own seedlings at home.
And behind the scenes, groundskeeping keeps the Farm looking and functioning at its best. From mowing to light building and repair projects, this role is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on work and takes pride in maintaining beautiful, welcoming spaces. It’s especially well suited to someone newly retired who wants to stay active and connected, with a flexible two-day-per-week schedule.
Join Us
We truly love our volunteers. The energy you bring, the curiosity, the willingness to jump in and try something new—it all shapes the Farm in ways that go far beyond the work itself.
Whether you’re looking to learn, to connect, to give back, or just to spend more time outside, there’s a place for you here.
Come be part of it. Get your hands in the soil. Grow something good with us.