Earth Keepers in Newark (Urban Agriculture Co-op)

Come help Urban Agriculture Cooperative (UAC) organize, sort and pack fresh produce for neighbors in Newark and beyond.

Urban Agriculture Cooperative strengthens New Jersey’s local food economy by coordinating the systems that move food from farm to community. They serve farmers, families, and local workers, the people who grow, move, and rely on fresh, local food every day — ensuring their work strengthens all three without creating burdens for any. Their goal is simple: ensure food flows reliably across the state and that the economic benefits stay rooted in local communities.

UAC envisions a NJ where every community has reliable access to fresh, culturally relevant food. They build systems that connect growers, institutions, and communities through relationships and shared infrastructure. They also have paid apprenticeship programs serving high school students in partnership with Newark Public Schools.
 

• Volunteers will support warehouse operations by washing, sorting, lifting, and packaging fresh produce inventory. There is an organized system for packing that is lead by staff. They have a large station for washing fruits and vegetables.

• Volunteers may also help chefs in the teaching kitchen. A state of the art kitchen with space for classes on how to make nutritious foods at an affordable cost. They will be providing culinary support for chefs and apprentices by cleaning, prepping, chopping, and sorting produce.

• During the shift, proper PPE will be provided in certain work areas. Please do not wear open-toe shoes, cut-off shirts, graphic tees. Wear comfortable clothing that you are comfortable getting a little dirty from produce.

• Being flexible will be a plus as tasks may change based on necessity. This opportunity can involve heavy lifting (50 lbs. maximum weight) and standing for some time.

• Volunteers will arrive to the Harvest/ RWJBarnabas Health front entrance at the Hanse and CO building on Halsey Street. This is located next to the Rutgers Bookstore. Street parking is available.  

• Since the volunteers will be inside, this is a rain or shine opportunity.

• Please note: The timing of this opportunity has been determined by Jersey Cares and Urban Agriculture Cooperative based on the delivery window provided by the food supplier. There is potential the delivery may arrive before or after the opportunity begins resulting in a delayed program start or a shortened volunteer experience. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Orientation Video: Are you new to Jersey Cares? Watch our brief orientation video to learn more about who we are, what we do and how to sign-up for a project.

FAQ’s: For answers to our frequently asked questions, please visit the Help section of our website.

Waivers: All projects have non-negotiable age restrictions that are noted on the upper right side of each project description. If you meet the age restriction but are under 18, please have a parent or legal guardian complete the required youth waiver and bring with you to the project. Adults attending the project can expedite the registration process by printing the adult waiver in advance, sign and bring with you.