Volunteers make all our programs possible—thank you!
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We appreciate all the individuals and groups who contribute their time to get healthy food from farms to families!
Our goal is to create an inclusive, community environment where volunteers can learn, have fun and meet other like-minded individuals while we work towards a common goal. I love to get out in nature and pick food where it's grown. Gleaning is an activity anyone can do: harvesting crops like tomatoes, beans or apples. With a few hours of free time, you can do something really meaningful. |
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS
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In order to ensure that our volunteer activities proceed safely and smoothly this season, we have implemented the following protocols for volunteers in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. Please review them carefully before signing up for a gleaning trip.
Before the trip
As part of our trip sign-up process:
To prepare for the trip:
- All volunteers must review these new protocols and verify that they have read them.
- All volunteers must complete a short screening to verify that they have not recently been at risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All volunteers must sign our updated Release & Waiver of Liablility which acknowledges the inherent risks posed by the virus.
To prepare for the trip:
- Volunteers are required to bring their own face coverings to be worn for the duration of the trip.
- Volunteers should not bring their own gloves on the trip, as clean gloves will be provided by BAG.
- Volunteers should be prepared to bring their own sunscreen, bug spray, & water bottles, as they cannot be provided by staff or shared between volunteers. We ask that volunteers apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to heading out for a glean.
- Volunteers are encouraged to use the bathroom prior to the trip, as access to sanitized bathroom facilities cannot be guaranteed.
- Volunteers are encouraged to eat a snack prior to the trip, as eating during the trip is discouraged to minimize hand-to-mouth contact, with the exception of those who must eat during physical activities for health reasons.
- Please note that carpooling will not be coordinated by BAG this season, and volunteers not living in the same household are strongly advised against carpooling together.
arriving at the site
- Volunteers must wear face coverings for the entire duration that they are on-site.
- Volunteers must maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times while on-site.
- All volunteers will have their temperature checked by our staff using a non-contact temperature screening device. As per CDC and state guidelines, anyone with a measurable fever (above 100.4° F) will not be allowed to participate.
- Upon arrival, volunteers must wash their hands with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, using wash stations set up and operated by BAG staff.
- Staff will provide volunteers with clean cloth gloves to be worn for the duration of the activity.
during the glean
- BAG staff will discuss safety protocols with everyone on-site and will demonstrate how to safely harvest and/or pack the day's crops.
- Volunteers are encouraged to take water breaks, but they must occur out of the field and away from gleaned produce. Volunteers should remove their gloves when handling their personal water bottle.
- Volunteers must maintain a 6-foot distance from one another at all times while gleaning.
- Produce boxes must not be passed directly from person to person but must be left at a safe distance to be picked up by staff.
- Volunteers & staff in the field must maintain a safe distance while harvesting and moving through the beds.
- Volunteers should avoid touching their face during the activity. If a volunteer touches their face, or coughs or sneezes into their hands, they will be asked to wash their hands and replace their gloves with a clean pair.
after the glean
At the end of a trip:
Please note: If any volunteer tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days following a volunteer event, they are asked to notify Boston Area Gleaners so that appropriate risk management steps may be taken.
- Volunteers must return their gloves and tools to BAG so that they may be washed and sanitized before the next trip.
- Before leaving the glean, volunteers are asked to wash their hands again using wash stations operated by BAG staff.
- Volunteers must continue to wear a face covering until they have left the premises.
Please note: If any volunteer tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days following a volunteer event, they are asked to notify Boston Area Gleaners so that appropriate risk management steps may be taken.
Staff safety practices
Boston Area Gleaners is committed to taking steps to reduce exposure within our organization and among those that we are in contact with. Staff precautions include:
- Daily sanitizing of all equipment and facilities.
- Wearing face coverings and gloves at all times.
- Maintaining social distancing at all times,
- Daily self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure risk
- Self-quarantining upon exposure to anyone suspected to have COVID-19