Now that it’s February, New Year’s resolutions should be in full swing. But if you’re like most of us who created vague aspirations and don’t know where to begin, volunteering in the service industry can be a great start. With a wide range of opportunities around the city, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to help out a local community or seeking more niche organizations dedicated to a cause that you’re passionate about.
Billion Oyster Project
If you’re interested in marine preservation and sustainable farming, check out the Billion Oyster Project. This nonprofit organization is working toward its goal of restoring one billion oysters in the New York Harbor by 2035. Oysters are a vital part of New York coastlines; they work to filter water, provide habitats to small fish and invertebrates and help to reinforce shorelines against storm damage. Volunteering slots open this March for the 2025 season, with opportunities on both Governor’s Island and Coney Island. On Governor’s Island you’ll create reef balls — structures made out of low acidity concrete that mimic natural oyster reefs. These will later be seeded with oyster larvae and brought into the harbor to help start up new oyster populations. If you choose the beach clean up route, you can volunteer to pick up and document debris on Coney Island. Find sign up information on the Billion Oyster Project’s Website.
Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens
Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens in Loisaida — the Lower East Side — and East Village works to unite and upkeep the community gardens and public green spaces of New York City. LUNGS works in 52 community gardens in New York City and hosts annual arts and entertainment events like the Harvest Arts Festival. It also has educational programs for youth and seniors. Volunteering in gardens can provide students with holistic skills that will be useful if they are looking to work for a farm-to-table restaurant or grow their own food. To get involved with these gardens, visit any one of the locations listed on the LUNGS website and speak to a garden member. Often the gardens will have membership meeting times posted on the garden gates, so stop by or visit the website for more information.
Citymeals on Wheels
If you’ve got free time over the weekend, sign up to volunteer with Citymeals on Wheels, an organization committed to ending elder hunger by 2040. Citymeals has been delivering meals to the New York elderly since 1981 and have distributed over 70 million meals. These meals help to supplement government programs that only deliver meals during the week and brightens recipients’ day. Citymeals also has opportunities to prepare emergency food packages during extreme weather and make holiday meal boxes. Those interested in volunteering or attending an event can find more information on the website.
Rethink Food
A great chance to work hand in hand with New York City restaurants is volunteering for Rethink Food. Founded in 2017, this nonprofit organization works to reduce food waste in the city. Rethink Food partners with over 45 local restaurants to make nutritious meals that can then be donated and distributed to those in need. The restaurant partners range from Brain Food in Brooklyn to New Wing Wong in Manhattan to La Morada in the Bronx. There’s several ways to get involved with Rethink Food: You can work in its Commissary Kitchen preparing meals alongside chefs, directly with the restaurant partners or with local New York City schools to advance education about food waste — great opportunities for helping out the community and learning more about the restaurant industry.
Contact Yael Grosman at [email protected].
