Volunteering at Plan B Organic Farms

From Farm to Door – Year-Round Local & Organic Share Boxes from Plan B Organic Farms (photo courtesy of Irene Matys)

Photo courtesy of Irene Matys who introduced me to Plan B Organic Farms also put together this beautiful subscription box

Back in August, I shared a blog post on volunteering at Plan B Organic Farms with my family and what I learned as a parent. And now after five months of volunteering (30 hours later, 44 hours if you include my kids time), I’m sharing my experience along with a few tips. So, let me first start off by sharing with you who inspired me to the farm life. Irene Matys is a local farm-to-table advocate, food stylist, recipe developer & food photographer. We connected on social media, and I was intrigued by her videos volunteering at the farm and her passion for community pulled me in!

She introduced my family and I to an incredible group of human beings. Plan B Organic Farms is a family owned & operated, certified vegetable farm in Hamilton, Ontario. Farmer Rod, Farmer Alvaro and Farmer Melanie (owners) grow over 30 acres of veggies, greens and fresh herbs in their fields and operate a year-round Share Box subscription and delivery direct to local households around Hamilton, Halton and Toronto.

Farmer Max – not always easy engaging kids but he was so proud of himself here

So, what did I learn over the last five months?

Be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable – I have zero farming experience and zero gardening experience. My kids had more experience than me having tended to their garden with their dad the summer before. I felt awkward and uncoordinated at times and with the summer heat, I didn’t really think I was cut out for it. But I came in committed with a good attitude, knew that I was giving back and with the boys by my side, it got me outside my comfort zone.

Quick tip – sun coverage is key, bring a bottle of water and the earlier you get there the better. Summer days were great on the farm, but it’s blazing hot out there.

1st day on the farm – the crew planted 200 plants, 66 of which were planted by the Batson family

Farmerette Irene and Farmerette Sunshine

Be Curious and Ask Questions – I learned so much over the last five months and worked alongside some really incredible human beings. I was honest and told them my zero experience with gardening and minimal knowledge of produce. I didn’t even know the true definition of “harvesting”. But my curiosity kicked in and I learned that potatoes and bok choy were grown in the ground, I learned how to weed a garden, and learned how to pick sun sugar tomatoes correctly.

Quick tip – don’t be shy! The farmers love curiosity and sharing their knowledge! They farm because they are passionate and want volunteers to learn too. Hashtag sharing is caring!

Sun Sugar Tomatoes – 2 hours of picking is equivalent to 2 buckets then transferred to 13-pint baskets

Be one with Mother Nature – over the last year, a big focus for me has been my mental well-being and mother nature came through. Whether I’m working alongside other farmers/volunteers or if I’m on my own, the fresh air and the quiet time reminds me to slow it down for a bit. After each visit, I’m content knowing that I’ve invested time for myself and have contributed back to the community. It’s really a win-win!

Quick tip – on the farm I enjoy the quiet time, but sometimes you just gotta get that extra pep in your step. Put together a farm playlist, play those tunes and get the body moving.

even when I’m alone farming, my kids are making their presence

Giving back to our community is really important to our family and I am proud that I can give back and with my kids by my side doing the same. And I’m even prouder that I work for Cardinal Health, a health care company that supports this commitment. Over the last five months, I volunteered a total of 30 hours and tracked it through our Cardinal Health Gives Back program. Employees are encouraged to volunteer to a cause that they care about.

So, there you have it, my experience at the farm that fills my cup with purpose and meaning. Having been inspired by local farm-to-table advocate, Irene, I hope that you feel inspired to give back in a way that is meaningful to you.

P.S. Plan B Organic Farms is always looking for volunteers! For more information, contact Irene Matys. If you are unable to donate your time, but would love to support the farm, subscribe to a Share Box by clicking here.

Until the next harvest!

Sunshine Lily xoxo