Sources Community Resource Society

WHITE ROCK/SOUTH SURREY FOOD BANK

Food Bank Garden Lead ~ Job Description

Position Summary - Reporting to the Food Bank Manager, the Garden Lead is responsible for leading volunteers in planning, planting, harvesting, and maintaining two community food gardens located at the White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank and the South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre. The gardens provide fresh produce for donation to the Sources White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank and support community engagement, education, and food security initiatives.

The Garden Lead will work collaboratively with volunteers, community partners, and Sources staff to ensure the gardens are productive, welcoming, and well maintained throughout the growing season.

To be successful in this position, you must:

• Be 18+ years of age.
• Have experience or knowledge related to vegetable gardening, urban agriculture, or community gardening.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Have the ability to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Be flexible, detail oriented, and possess the ability to take initiative, accept direction, and work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Have the ability to work well with diverse client populations and relate to individuals across all socioeconomic and cultural groups.
• Have an awareness and understanding of poverty, mental health, disability, and trauma, particularly as it relates to food insecurity.

Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate and lead volunteers in all garden activities including planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, pruning, and seasonal garden maintenance.
• Organize volunteer work party dates, schedules, and activities in collaboration with Sources and community partners.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers regarding garden updates, schedules, and opportunities.
• Support volunteer orientation, training, and engagement to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal crops to maximize fresh food production for donation to the food bank.
• Harvest, track, and coordinate delivery of produce to the Sources White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank.
• Monitor the gardens for pests, disease, irrigation needs, and overall garden health.
• Coordinate expenses for maintenance, supplies, and equipment with Sources.
• Maintain communication with the Food Bank Manager regarding activities, needs, issues, and successes.
• Ensure that Sources’ Policies and Procedures are followed, as well as the operating procedures of the Sources Food Bank program.
•  Ensure that the rights, dignity, and confidentiality of all clients and volunteers are maintained.

Time Commitment:

• This opportunity requires a minimum 1-year commitment.  Days and hours will vary depending on time of year; with most activities taking place April to October.

Benefits to this position - This role supports local food security efforts by increasing access to fresh, healthy produce for food bank clients while fostering community connection, volunteerism, and sustainable food growing practices.