Volunteers play a critical role in supporting our mission

With rows of crops visible from Birmingham’s interstate system and Teaching Farms nestled on school campuses across the city, Jones Valley Teaching Farm is a beacon for individuals who are passionate about food, education, and community.

Explore our volunteer opportunities below:

Weekend Volunteer Opportunities

We are inviting individuals and families to join us on select weekends to practice farm skills including cultivating, mulching, planting, weeding, trellising, and more!

  • Held at the Center for Food Education at 701 25th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203 
  • First and second Saturdays, 9:00am- 12:00pm, April – November
  • Required orientation begins at 9:00am 
Harvest Hands

This weekday volunteer program has a special focus on food safety and harvest technique.

    • Held at the Center for Food Education at 701 25th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203 
    • Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30am-12:00pm, April through November 
    • Open to individuals ages 14+ who have attended a food safety training
    • Food safety training sessions are held from 2:00- 5:00pm on the last Tuesday of the month April -October. Registration is required.
Explore The Program
Group Volunteer Events

Group volunteer events are planned on a case-by-case basis according to our programming and production schedules. These opportunities are available to college affiliates, corporations, civic groups, and more!

  • Available at Center for Food Education, Woodlawn High School Teaching Farm and K-8 Teaching Farm Sites 
  • Weekdays, year-round
  • Please allow a minimum of two-weeks’ notice when scheduling. 
Help us ensure you have a great experience:

We ask that volunteers come prepared with:

  • sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty
  • weather appropriate clothing that can get dirty 
  • water bottle
  • sun protection 
    • sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, and pants, etc
  • garden gloves, if desired
  • face mask
    • JVTF’s protocols may shift depending on current information and recommendations, but we will always prioritize the safety of our volunteers and staff. Jones Valley Teaching Farm encourages mask use, social distancing, and proper sanitation. At this time, masks are not required. Even when not required, it is good practice to have a mask on hand in case tasks require close contact. 

We strive to make our volunteer opportunities accessible to as many people as possible. If you have accessibility requirements that you aren’t sure could be accommodated, please contact us, so we can work together to find the best solution.

 

All volunteers must submit a signed waiver in order to participate.

  • Volunteers under the age of 18 must obtain a parent or guardian signature.
  • Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 
  • In order to ensure a safe environment, we reserve the right to dismiss volunteers if deemed necessary.