🌱GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter

GrowNYC Volunteer Newsletter 

Register for our next Virtual Volunteer Orientation

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, July 10th

Time: 3pm - 4pm

Where: Virtual

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.

Register for our upcoming virtual orientation now

 GrowNYC’s Volunteer Spotlight

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

1. How long have you been volunteering with GrowNYC?

I’ve been volunteering with GrowNYC since July 2025. Since then, I’ve spent most of my time on Governors Island, which has been such a special place to return to.

2. Why did you decide to volunteer with GrowNYC?

I joined GrowNYC as a volunteer because I wanted to be part of an organization that is grounded and community focused. After moving to NYC, I sought a way to connect with the city and its people in a meaningful, hands-on way, and this role felt like the perfect fit

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

In my free time, I enjoy roller skating, watching movies, and exploring new restaurants and cafés around Brooklyn with friends. I also value quieter moments spent reading, drawing, or simply slowing down.

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

My favorite part of this experience has honestly been the people. There is something truly special about connecting with fellow volunteers and facilitators who each care about this work in their own way. It has made the environment feel welcoming and genuine, and it has been a wonderful way to meet New Yorkers who share a commitment to community and green spaces.

 GrowNYC’s Governors Island Teaching Garden Volunteer Opportunity

The GrowNYC Teaching Garden is an education space that has been located on Governors Island for the last 10 years.

• Students visit the 1-acre farm on a 1-hour long field trip where they get a chance to learn about urban farming, taste seasonal fruits or vegetables, and participate in hands-on garden based activities.

• The Teaching Garden is also open to the public, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 between May 30th and October.

We are regularly inviting volunteers to join us on Governors Island at our teaching garden. Volunteers will assist with weeding, watering, maintaining paths, cleaning tools and preparing supplies for educational tours.

Volunteer shift information below:

Mondays: Governors Island Teaching Garden | Volunteer Day | 9am to 12pm (Sign Up)

Special GrowNYC Event Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer with GrowNYC to help celebrate our non-profit partners and their efforts to keep New Yorkers fed.

• GrowNYC is hosting an evening reception ‘Rooted in Community’ to celebrate the staff of our community partner organizations — the people working every day to expand food access across New York City.

• This is an opportunity to meet other organizers dedicated to the same mission, connect across boroughs, and kick off the summer season together. 100 guests are expected from partner organizations throughout the five boroughs.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following tasks:

• Checking in guests at the door

• Serving and replenishing food

• Managing beverages

• Ad-hoc clean-up

Location & Time: Project Farmhouse from 4:30pm - 8:30pm

Sign-up: Contact us

GrowNYC Partner Volunteer Activity

Volunteer Opportunities from GrowNYC Partners: GreenThumb

Join gardeners and GreenThumb staff to assist in general garden clean up and planting a mini native pollinator garden all tools will be provided by GreenThumb Staff.

Volunteer Workday at Sheild of Faith Community Garden

81 Montauk Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11208

Saturday, June 20, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Olivia.Navarro@parks.nyc.gov or 212-602-5381