Soil Born Farms is an urban agriculture and education project that empowers youth and adults to discover and participate in a local food system that encourages healthy living, nurtures the environment, and grows a sustainable community. The nonprofit’s main goals are as follows:

• Local Organic Food Production. Create, manage, and support urban organic farms and gardens that practice and promote responsible land stewardship, are accessible to the public, and permanently protected for future generations.

• Community Education. Develop a food and environmental education program focused on service and experiential learning in the natural world and in the kitchen for youth and adults via hands-on activities, workshops, tours, job training, and youth leadership development.

• Food Access for All. Address food security needs by developing alternative food distribution and food donation programs that target underserved communities.

• Reconnect with the Land. Bring people together to celebrate cultural diversity and share the simple pleasures of living life in harmony with nature.

For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit soilborn.org.

Bottom four photos by Gina Marraccini. Other photos courtesy of Soil Born Farms.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Allyson Vander Broek

What made you want to become a volunteer for Soil Born Farms? I was looking for a way to get involved in the community about 10 years ago (after retiring) and Soil Born Farms is less than 15 minutes from my house. When I looked at their website about open opportunities, they were seeking kitchen crew volunteers. I love to cook and eat, so it seemed like a perfect fit!

What do your volunteer duties entail? I work in their Farmhouse Kitchen on the culinary arts team prepping ingredients for the marketplace: seasonal soups, salads, and grain bowls, along with breakfast items like frittata. My favorite activity is baking, so I really enjoy making their signature cobbler bars in a variety of flavors.

Is there training required? When I started, I participated in an orientation for the kitchen and learned basic sanitary practices, since we prepare food for sale to the public. I still learn new techniques and cooking tips that I can apply in my own kitchen.  

What’s the time commitment? I usually volunteer one day a week, but it’s flexible; the schedule isn’t mandatory and is done month by month.

What has been the best day of volunteering so far? Every kitchen day is pretty good, but it’s especially rewarding when I can introduce a friend to Soil Born. A girlfriend mentioned that her high school-aged daughter needed somewhere to earn community service hours, and I was able to connect them with Soil Born. Not only did her daughter fulfill her requirements, but she returned over the summer to help with cooking demonstrations. Even her mom is a kitchen crew volunteer now.

What’s one of the biggest challenges? Learning to eat more in tune with the seasons. I find it hard to let go of some of my favorite fruits and vegetables when their growing period is over. On the other hand, it’s inspired me to be more flexible in my cooking style; I’ve learned to substitute what is available and still put something delicious on the table.