Volunteer Opportunities From: Growing Hope

**Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation!**

Join Growing Hope for our Home Vegetable Garden (HVG) Build Days as we help families and community members get ready for the growing season with new raised garden beds and home gardens.

Volunteers will assist with building raised beds, moving soil and compost, basic garden setup, and outdoor hands-on projects. Experience with gardening and using tools is a bonus, but not a requirement- just a willingness to help and work as part of a team! 

This is a great opportunity to learn gardening skills, meet new people, and support food access in our community.

Tasks may include:
• Building and assembling raised beds
• Shoveling soil and compost
• General outdoor cleanup and setup

Please bring:
• Water bottle & sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Closed-toe shoes
• Work gloves if you have them

Come for one build day or several, we’d love to have you with us!

Each shift will begin at the Growing Hope Urban farm to gather materials and shovel compost into the truck. Volunteers will then follow GH staff to the build site. All build sites are within approximately 5 miles of the farm. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation. 

Please wear clothes that can get dirty, including closed toes shoes (no flip flops or open-toe shoes are allowed on-site). We recommend bringing a water bottle and sunscreen (if needed).

Volunteer at Chefs in the Garden – Sept. 27, 2026

Growing Hope is thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Chefs in the Garden fundraiser, happening on Sunday, September 27th at the Growing Hope Urban Farm in Ypsilanti. Beginning at 5:00 PM, this special evening features a locally sourced, farm-to-table meal and raises vital support for our work to strengthen the local food system.

This year, we are honored to feature Chef Bob Bennett.

The evening will include a silent auction and live entertainment to round out an unforgettable night among the food and flowers at the Growing Hope Urban Farm. 

Volunteer Roles Include:

Assisting the chef and kitchen staff

Greeting and checking in guests

Passing appetizers

Serving drinks and plated meals

Bussing tables and washing dishes

Event breakdown and cleanup

Volunteers will enjoy a lively evening filled with smiling faces and happy bellies—and yes, you’ll get to taste the incredible food! Come join us for a joyful night of service, community, and celebration.

Sign up today and be part of something delicious and meaningful.

Shifts:

As a Farmers Market Volunteer, you’ll assist with a variety of tasks, including working at the info booth, helping with customer counts, and supporting the smooth operation of the market. This is a great opportunity to engage with the community and contribute to the success of the market while gaining hands-on experience.

Volunteer Opportunity: First Friday Food Court at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace

16 S Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI

Join us for an exciting community event at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. The  First Friday Food Court will highlight food entrepreneurs from our incubator kitchen and local food scene. These local makers will be selling delicious dishes and sharing their culinary creations with the public.

We’re looking for volunteers to help make this event a success.

Volunteers will assist with:

 -Event set up and clean up

 -Greeting guests and counting attendance

 -Supporting kitchen makers as needed

 -Helping with games and activities

First Friday on June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, and October 2 Event is 5-7:30 pm. Volunteer shifts are 4-8:30.  This is a great opportunity to support small businesses, meet new people, and enjoy the energy of a vibrant community event!

Volunteer with the YPSI Food Festival!
Date: Friday, August 15, 2026
Event Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W Michigan Ave

Help us make Ypsi Food Festival a success! This fun family event will feature 30+ Food Tucks and artisan food vendors, music, and family-friendly activities. 

Volunteer Shifts:

9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Set-Up Crew)

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM

1:45 PM – 4:00 PM

3:45 PM – 6:00 PM

5:45 PM – 8:00 PM

7:15 PM – 9:30 PM (Tear-Down)

Available Roles (you may be asked to help with any of the following):

Games & Activities Team
Encourage festival-goers to join in fun yard games, reset and tidy play areas, and maintain a family-friendly vibe.

Event Clean-Up Team
Walk the grounds, check trash bins, and help keep the space clean, welcoming, and safe for all guests.

Kids Zone Team

Serve and Children activities area leading area crafts and creating a safe and fun enviorments for children and their families to enjoy.

Set-Up & Tear-Down Team
Assist with tables, chairs, signage, vendor help, and general logistics before and after the event.

Vendor & DJ Care Team
Check on vendors and the DJ, offer water/snacks, relay needs to staff, and keep morale high.

Restroom Attendant Team
Monitor and restock porta potties and restrooms, wipe surfaces, and ensure a clean, comfortable experience.

Break Area Attendant Team
Maintain a tidy volunteer/vendor break space with water, snacks, and basic supplies.

Raffle Ticket Seller Team
Sell tickets, promote raffle prizes, handle cash, and help raise funds for local programming.

Info Booth & Guest Support Team
Greet guests, give directions, share maps/flyers, and help with lost & found or general questions.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

Enjoy being outdoors and working with people

Want to help make a fun community event run smoothly

Can walk, stand, or stay alert for your shift

Are dependable, upbeat, and flexible

Support Provided:

Orientation at the start of each shift

All supplies and equipment provided

On-site staff available for support

Water and light snacks offered

Sign Up Now to Help Make the Magic Happen!
Whether you're welcoming guests, selling raffle tickets, or making sure bathrooms stay stocked, your support keeps the YPSI Food Festival joyful, clean, and fun for everyone.

*The first 40 Volunteers that sign up to work 2 shifts will receive a free food ticket to support our food vendors!*