Opportunities From: Forgotten Harvest

Volunteers will perform one or more of the following general farm chores depending on the time of year:

·        Spring cleanup

·        Drip irrigation installation

·        Plastic mulch installation assistance

·        Weeding

·        Planting

·        Harvest container cleaning

·        Harvesting

·        Bagging produce for transportation/distribution

·        Field cleanup

·        Rock removal

·        Remove irrigation and plastic mulch

*Volunteers who are 14-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone*

DRESS CODE

Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our volunteers. While we recommend long pants and long sleeves to help prevent skin irritation from plants and grasses, we understand that weather conditions vary. Some days can be hot and humid with limited shade, and we have never turned anyone away for wearing shorts. That said, please be aware that poison ivy is present throughout the farm property. Volunteers typically work inside the fenced areas, while poison ivy is most commonly found along the tree lines.

Please review the following required and suggested items before coming to the farm:

REQUIRED

·        Closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes)

·        Secure footwear (no slip-on shoes)

·        No tank tops

SUGGESTED

·        Hat

·        Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or light jacket

·        Rain gear

·        Boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy

Weather can change quickly—it may be 30°F in the morning and 80°F by the end of the day. Dressing in layers is always a great way to be prepared.

*All tools, gloves, ice water, bug spray, and sunscreen are provided. If you’d like to contribute, donations of water, gloves, sunscreen, or tools are always welcome.*

**If you have allergies to anything you may encounter on the farm (such as bees) and require an EpiPen, please bring it with you and notify farm staff upon arrival.**

Volunteers will perform one or more of the following general farm chores depending on the time of year:

·        Spring cleanup

·        Drip irrigation installation

·        Plastic mulch installation assistance

·        Weeding

·        Planting

·        Harvest container cleaning

·        Harvesting

·        Bagging produce for transportation/distribution

·        Field cleanup

·        Rock removal

·        Remove irrigation and plastic mulch

*Volunteers who are 14-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone*

DRESS CODE

Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our volunteers. While we recommend long pants and long sleeves to help prevent skin irritation from plants and grasses, we understand that weather conditions vary. Some days can be hot and humid with limited shade, and we have never turned anyone away for wearing shorts. That said, please be aware that poison ivy is present throughout the farm property. Volunteers typically work inside the fenced areas, while poison ivy is most commonly found along the tree lines.

Please review the following required and suggested items before coming to the farm:

REQUIRED

·        Closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes)

·        Secure footwear (no slip-on shoes)

·        No tank tops

SUGGESTED

·        Hat

·        Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or light jacket

·        Rain gear

·        Boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy

Weather can change quickly—it may be 30°F in the morning and 80°F by the end of the day. Dressing in layers is always a great way to be prepared.

*All tools, gloves, ice water, bug spray, and sunscreen are provided. If you’d like to contribute, donations of water, gloves, sunscreen, or tools are always welcome.*

**If you have allergies to anything you may encounter on the farm (such as bees) and require an EpiPen, please bring it with you and notify farm staff upon arrival.**

Volunteers will perform one or more of the following general farm chores depending on the time of year:

·        Spring cleanup

·        Drip irrigation installation

·        Plastic mulch installation assistance

·        Weeding

·        Planting

·        Harvest container cleaning

·        Harvesting

·        Bagging produce for transportation/distribution

·        Field cleanup

·        Rock removal

·        Remove irrigation and plastic mulch

*Volunteers who are 14-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone*

DRESS CODE

Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our volunteers. While we recommend long pants and long sleeves to help prevent skin irritation from plants and grasses, we understand that weather conditions vary. Some days can be hot and humid with limited shade, and we have never turned anyone away for wearing shorts. That said, please be aware that poison ivy is present throughout the farm property. Volunteers typically work inside the fenced areas, while poison ivy is most commonly found along the tree lines.

Please review the following required and suggested items before coming to the farm:

REQUIRED

·        Closed-toe shoes (no open-toe shoes)

·        Secure footwear (no slip-on shoes)

·        No tank tops

SUGGESTED

·        Hat

·        Lightweight long-sleeve shirt or light jacket

·        Rain gear

·        Boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy

Weather can change quickly—it may be 30°F in the morning and 80°F by the end of the day. Dressing in layers is always a great way to be prepared.

*All tools, gloves, ice water, bug spray, and sunscreen are provided. If you’d like to contribute, donations of water, gloves, sunscreen, or tools are always welcome.*

**If you have allergies to anything you may encounter on the farm (such as bees) and require an EpiPen, please bring it with you and notify farm staff upon arrival.**

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Orientation is every Wednesday at 1:30 pm ONLY - you MUST register, there will be NO walk-ins. You must bring your court paperwork of your offense and a valid ID. Court Ordered Community Service can only be completed at the Distribution Center located on 15000 8 mile Rd in Oak Park. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Forgotten has partnered with the local judicial system to provide community service opportunities for nonviolent offenders. Forgotten Harvest does not accept persons convicted of

Court ordered community service volunteers will help with the set-up of re-pack. Help re-pack nutritious food into family size portions destined for the table of those in need.  Help with clean-up of work area at end of shift. Assist in warehouse with cardboard break down, cleaning, and other warehouse duties.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear long pants & closed toe shoes.

THIS OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help get the Community Choice Mobile Market ready for clients. Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

This opportunity will occur from  8:00-11:00 and 12:30-3:30 Monday-Friday . Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY

Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Mobile Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Volunteers are needed to help pack emergency food boxes, re-pack or sort fresh nutritious food that will be distributed through Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. This opportunity is located at the Oak Park warehouse - 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237. 

This opportunity will occur from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at the Oak Park Warehouse. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear closed toe shoes. Long pants are suggested.

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION:  The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Orientation is every Wednesday at 1:30 pm ONLY - you MUST register, there will be NO walk-ins. You must bring your court paperwork of your offense and a valid ID. Court Ordered Community Service can only be completed at the Distribution Center located on 15000 8 mile Rd in Oak Park. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Forgotten has partnered with the local judicial system to provide community service opportunities for nonviolent offenders. Forgotten Harvest does not accept persons convicted of

Court ordered community service volunteers will help with the set-up of re-pack. Help re-pack nutritious food into family size portions destined for the table of those in need.  Help with clean-up of work area at end of shift. Assist in warehouse with cardboard break down, cleaning, and other warehouse duties.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Must wear long pants & closed toe shoes.

THIS OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help get the Community Choice Mobile Market ready for clients. Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

This opportunity will occur from  8:00-11:00 and 12:30-3:30 Monday-Friday . Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS OPPORTUNITY LOCATED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY

Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Mobile Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITY

Forgotten Harvest’s Client Choice Mobile Market will allow those in need to select their own food instead of receiving a prepacked or standard bag of groceries. With this method, those in need do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:

*Volunteers should be 18 years or older. Must be able to lift at least 25+ pounds*

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

GROUP REGISTRATION - please email the volunteer department (click here) with the following information:

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest.

Forgotten Harvest and Goodwill are partnering for a Mobile Pantry. Our mobile distribution is set up like a farmer's market, where our clients can receive fresh nutritious rescued food.

We are looking for 10 volunteers to help Forgotten Harvest distribute food and assist clients to their vehicles.

ARRIVAL: Please arrive 9:45am to check-in, receive civil rights training and assignment.

ATTIRE: Please dress according to the weather, we will be outside or rain or shine. If you have a Forgotten Harvest shirt, please wear, and don't forget your comfy shoes!

 *Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Must be able to lift 30 lbs., and be on their feet for an extended amount of time*

Forgotten Harvest is looking for volunteers to help with the distribution throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County.  Seeking volunteers to help with client-intake, traffic control, placing food in trunks, breaking down boxes and helping with clean up. This is an outside volunteer opportunity. Volunteer opportunities will occur from 1:30 PM-4:30 PM. 

The safety and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers are important to Forgotten Harvest. We are monitoring the situation and taking our lead from the Michigan Public Health Department and the CDC. Forgotten Harvest can provide PPE, which will include; gloves, face masks and face shields.

Point person on site is Dawn Sketch

PLEASE CONTACT, TAYLOR SEIFERT, TSEIFERT@FORGOTTENHARVEST.ORG TO PICK UP YOUR WRISTBANDS BEFORE EVENT DAY. 

2026 CORE CHARITY PARTNER -VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteer shift: Each Charity Partner is assigned a 4-hour volunteer shift during the event. Volunteers are required to check-in at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church a minimum of 30 minutes prior to their shift to allow for training and time to reach assigned location. (Shift begins at 7 PM, please arrive at 6:30 PM)

Positions: Upon arrival volunteers will be assigned to their post. The following positions will be assigned.

• Cranbrook Institute of Science (1 per shift)- Volunteers will assist their interactive activation. May include handling fried bugs for people to eat. Volunteers with a shellfish allergy should not take this post.

• Michigan Lottery Volunteer (2 per shift)- Volunteers will assist the “Spin to Win” game at the Michigan Lottery Trailer

• Fine Art Show Volunteer (3 per shift)-Volunteers will assist Fine Artists with breaks. This may consist of sitting in a booth to protect it from theft while an artist takes a break or an artists may request that the volunteer run to pick up food for a volunteer. Volunteers may also be asked to work in the Artist Comfort Tent handing out snacks and beverages.

• Information Booth Volunteer (6 per shift)- Volunteer will staff our Information Booths, assisting guests in finding stages, food or vendors they are interested in or in answering frequently asked questions. Each information booth will be stocked with the information necessary to assist and answer the questions.
• Non-Smoking Volunteers (8 per shift)- Volunteers will roam in festival identified non-smoking areas and help guide smokers to appropriate festival identified smoking areas.

Parking: Royal Oak High School (1500 Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48073) parking lot. Enter off of Crooks Road north of 13 Mile Road onto Lexington. Please fill out the parking pass in its entirety with your contact information, and “Volunteer” as the affiliation to avoid any issues during the event. There is a shuttle that will drop off at Volunteer Check in. If utilizing festival parking, please allow 20 minutes to park and ride the shuttle. The shuttle will run from 10:00am-Midnight.

Check-in Location: Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W 7th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Please note, you must arrive and check in at the church a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of your volunteer shift.

Attire: You will receive an official Arts, Beats and Eats Volunteer shirt upon checking in for your shift. Please wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to walk and stand in for long periods of time and that will keep you comfortable even in a sudden shift in weather. Layers are recommended.

Breaks, Meals & Water: Bottles of water for volunteers are always available at the Volunteer Check-In. Each volunteer will receive (1) one meal voucher coupon when they check-in for their shift. The voucher will have the participating restaurants, meal items, and their locations listed on the back. Please plan to eat your meal after your shift has completed. For volunteers during the last shift of the night, breaks will be provided to allow time to eat. All positions will have a minimum of 2 volunteers at the post. If you need a break, please let your fellow volunteers know and try to keep the break to 20 minutes. Reminder, outside food and beverage is not permitted.

Thank you so very much for your time and hard work! Our volunteer program is a huge part of what keeps our festival going, we truly couldn’t do it without you.

WE APPRECIATE YOU!