At CFBNJ, we partner with America's Grow-A-Row (AGAR) and Farmers Against Hunger in the summer months to glean produce from Sheppard Farms in Cedarville (Cumberland County). By organizing volunteers there, CFBNJ helps ensure this fresh produce gets distributed to our neighbors facing food insecurity in our South Jersey communities. It is a valuable way to support and deepen ties with local farmers, while providing healthy food to our hungry neighbors. It's also a fun and meaningful team-builder and a chance to spend some time in nature and away from your screens!
Task Description:
Volunteers work in groups to pick a "second harvest" of produce from the fields that the farm then donates to our organizations. While volunteers are working, a truck follows them through the field to collect the produce and load it for transport. Crops that volunteers may be picking in 2026 include corn and cucumbers!
Volunteer events at Sheppard Farms can accommodate up to 75 people can participate in a single shift (please note, your group does not have to be this large). The shift runs from 9 AM to noon and includes educational content, guided fieldwork, and a wrap-up sharing your impact. There is also the option to organize a team lunch after the shift is over.
We'll provide full details on what to wear and what to bring. We do also have an option for "light duty" volunteering to be inclusive of employees who may not be able to completely commit to the physical aspect but still want to participate. This role would essentially consist of taking pictures of the group, distributing water to those that need it, and tracking the amount of produce picked.
Dates are available from late July-late September and are flexible. Some available dates include:
- July 28, 29, 30
- August 4, 5, 6
- August 18, 19, 20
- August 25, 26, 27
- Sept 1, 2, 3
- Sept 8, 9, 10
- Sept 22, 23
9 AM-12 PM on each of these days
More information can also be found at: americasgrowarow.org.
