Volunteers needed! Join the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows in fighting food insecurity in our community.
Who can volunteer?
All ages and skill levels are invited to volunteer at the Community Farm and no previous experience is required. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16. Corporate team-building and private group (e.g. faith-based, scouts, clubs, etc.) days are also available (minimum group size is 15).
For more information, contact Dana Melby at dmelby@pecva.org or (540) 347-2334 ext. 7068.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Get your hands dirty for a good cause! Since its first season in 2019, the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows has donated over 100,000 pounds of produce to area food pantries. This would not have been possible without the assistance of our incredible team of volunteers.
Be prepared to work outside in variable weather conditions, get your hands dirty while doing a good deed, and learn about your local agriculture community. Volunteers help with various farm tasks including planting seeds in the greenhouse, transplanting seedlings transplants into the ground, harvesting ripe fruits and veggies from our fields, and more.
While you’re helping your community, you’ll also learn more about the local food system and maybe even pick up a few tips on growing your own fruits and veggies at home!
Where is the farm located?
The Community Farm is located on approximately 40 acres within the triangle created by the traffic circles at Howsers Branch Road, Route 15 and Route 50. The address is 39990 Howsers Branch Dr., Aldie, VA 20105. If the gate is open, you’re welcome to stop in!
Sign up!
Our volunteer season runs from April – October. Due to the food pantry’s availability to pick up produce, the majority of time slots are Monday- Friday mornings, with occasional afternoons and weekends. All volunteers are required to complete a waiver when they sign up.
You can also sign up at letsvolunteer.org, loudouncares.org and volunteermatch.org.
Corporate and group volunteers (10+ people) are encouraged to schedule in advance by contacting PEC’s volunteer coordinator Robin Cross at rcross@pecva.org.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sunscreen/insect repellent, and to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. There is a porta potty, hand washing station and sanitizer on site. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves.
“Volunteering at the PEC farm has been such a rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to spend time on a beautiful piece of property and learn more about plants and gardening through hands on experiences. Best of all, When the harvesting is done, I know that my work has contributed to better nutrition and hope for the less fortunate by providing fresh produce to the area food bank.” – Mary Peterson