We offer hands-on volunteer opportunities with Helping Farms Feed Families (a 501c3 nonprofit organization)
Volunteer Opportunities
Now seeking volunteers who love working with animals!
After filling out an application, join us for orientation!
Orientations are held on the first Sunday and second Tuesday of every month at 4pm in the Barnyard. (No need to sign up for an orientation, just drop in!)
Our hardworking animal handler and Barnyard Manager, Shelmarie, is now seeking volunteers to work in our Barnyard Educational Exhibit.
Year-round we house rescue chickens, turkeys, a pig, a mini cow, donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats. We are seeking volunteers who have a love for animals, love to be outdoors, and have a great attitude!
We need volunteers daily for different shifts throughout the barnyard. We even have Family Volunteer Night! If you love farm animals and being outdoors, we love you!!
Fill out an ONLINE APPLICATION then drop into an orientation!*
Contact Shelmarie for more info: SHELMARIE@TANAKAFARMS.COM
*You MUST attend orientation before starting as a volunteer.
Existing Volunteers! Please sign up for shifts for HFFF!
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click the button below to go to our invitation page on SignUp.
2. Enter your email address. (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Shelmarie and she can sign you up manually.
Helping Farms Feed Families
The Tanaka Farms Helping Farms Feed Families (501c3) initiative!
History
This nonprofit is being formed as an expansion program of Orange Coast Optimist Helping Farms Feed Families which was initially formed to work with local farms to get their extra produce to local food banks. Unfortunately, the program got sidetracked with a major fundraiser Walk the Farm which was started after the earthquake/tsunami hit the northeast coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 and wiped-out thousands of farms along the fertile coast.
Purpose of the nonprofit - Educate the public about agriculture and train and help new farmers enter the world of ag.
Programs
Barnyard Educational Exhibit at Tanaka Farms - Showcasing farm animals from the community will provide the opportunity for young people to act as docents and interact and teach thousands of students and families about the role of animals in agriculture. A portion of the admission fee goes directly to Helping Farms Feeding Families to support their community programs.
Urban Farming - With many small vacant plots available in every neighborhood, these areas provide the perfect opportunity to bring the farm to local neighborhoods to educate and feed them. We are currently working on proof of concept to see actual costs and to train a lead farmer to oversee the project. Produce from each project will be sold to provide some source of funds to sustain the project and also to provide to local food pantries and food banks.
During the Corona Virus Pandemic, there were many families in need of a helping hand, as well as many local farmers and food makers that were also struggling due to a decrease in business.
With the generous support of:
Tanaka Farms
Helping Farms Feed Families (501c3)
OCO's Walk the Farm (501c3)
& Donations from awesome folks like you!
Along with the generous donations of fresh produce from:
Manaserro Farms
And as a way to support local businesses such as:
Old Town Baking Company
Batista Family Farm Milk
Family Tree Produce
Chef Adam Navidi of Oceans and Earth Restaurant
We were able to source enough fresh, high-quality food to give Community Care Packages to over 3500 families in need during the COVID-19 crisis… free of charge.