🌱GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter

 

GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter

Hello GrowNYC Volunteers,

Thank you so much for volunteering your time and energy with GrowNYC for yet another impactful year! Your support has been instrumental in providing New Yorkers access to vibrant community spaces that directly benefit local farmers while enhancing healthy food options for more New York communities.

By the numbers:

• We truly appreciate the 1,216 volunteers who have volunteered over 2,671 hours with GrowNYC in 2025.

• This past year, across 62 Greenmarkets and Farmstands, GrowNYC distributed approximately $1.4 million in Health Bucks and processed $2.3 million in SNAP/EBT sales.

In case you missed it: Last year, we had the pleasure of hosting our volunteer appreciation event at Little Island Park in Manhattan. We are planning to host more in 2026, please stay tuned for announcements regarding future events! In the meantime, check out a slideshow of photos showcasing our volunteers' remarkable efforts throughout 2025 here.

We look forward to your continued support in 2026 and may the year bring you endless joy, success, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Best,

Corey Wilkins

GrowNYC Individual Volunteer Program Manager

Register for our next Virtual Volunteer Orientation

What's new: Interested in volunteering with GrowNYC? Join our online orientation where our Volunteer Program Manager will provide information about GrowNYC, local agriculture and food access, as well as current and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

When: Friday, February 6th

Time: 5pm - 6pm

Where: Virtual

Please note: Orientation is open to all, however, GrowNYC volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. The volunteer orientation is required to participate in our volunteer opportunities.

What’s next: Register for our upcoming virtual orientation now!

 GrowNYC’s Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Mia, our spotlight volunteer of the month! Read the interview below to learn more about Mia through her words, you’ll discover her motivations, interests, and memorable experiences that have shaped her volunteering path.

1. How long have you been volunteering with GrowNYC?

I have been volunteering with GrowNYC since June of 2024.

2. Why did you decide to volunteer with GrowNYC?

I was looking for volunteer opportunities in the city, especially something where I could spend time outdoors or gardening. I enjoy shopping at farmer's markets, so when I found GrowNYC's volunteer opportunities I was excited to sign up!

3. Tell us about yourself, what interests you and how do you spend your time?

I love being in nature, hiking, traveling, reading, and checking out parks and gardens (my favorite park in the city is Forest Park!). I also enjoy being active and practicing Muay Thai at my local martial arts gym.

4. What has been your favorite moment/memory volunteering with GrowNYC so far?

I really enjoy volunteering at the Jackson Heights market! Getting to know the community there, from all the regular shoppers who look forward to trying this week's recipe, the growers and vendors, and the GrowNYC staff at that location, it's always a lot of fun interacting with all these really awesome people and getting to be a part of it. Celebrating the market's 25th anniversary recently was a great day with lots of fun activities! I also enjoy learning new recipes and trying seasonal produce as part of the cooking demos - I've definitely learned a lot and bringing home new ideas (and veggies) all the time!

Greenmarket & Farmstand Volunteer Opportunities

The big picture: Volunteer with GrowNYC Greenmarkets and Farmstands to help support local farmers by creating a welcoming environment and ensuring they have opportunities to sell fresh produce.

• This is also a great way to do your part in helping ensure that all NYC residents have access to fresh and local produce!

• These events are outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle!

Sign up for one or more opportunities at the following locations:

Queens:

Food Access Volunteer | Jackson Heights Greenmarket | Sundays (sign up)

Food Access Volunteer | Forest Hills Greenmarket | Sundays (sign up)

Brooklyn:

Food Access Volunteer | Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)

Interpreter Volunteer | 7th Ave Sunset Park Greenmarket | Saturdays (contact us)

Manhattan:

Outreach Volunteer | Tribeca Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)

Food Access Volunteer | Inwood Greenmarket | Saturdays (sign up)

Food Access Volunteer | 79th Street Greenmarket | Sundays (contact us)