Volunteers are the hands and heart of The GardenWorks Project.
When you show up to plant, build, harvest, or deliver produce, you help expand access to fresh, healthy food across DuPage County.
Whether you have gardening experience or not, there is a place for you here.
Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year and may include:
You do not need prior gardening experience. We provide guidance, tools, and support. You bring your willingness to serve.
Ready to get involved?
Complete the form to join our volunteer list. You will receive updates about upcoming garden days, seasonal projects, and special opportunities.
If you have extra produce or herbs in your own garden or have the ability to plant a row for others, you can donate directly to a local food pantry through our Fresh Food Connect app.
Once registered, you receive updates about which locations need produce, so your harvest makes an immediate impact.
Farmers and backyard growers are both welcome
Matt Tansley is a Land Use Planner with the Kane County Development and Community Services Department. He provides staff support for the implementation of various county long-range and strategic plans, including the Kane County 2040 Plan, the Growing for Kane Report, and the Kane County Food Hub Feasibility Study. He also coordinates the activities of the Kane County Planning Cooperative, an interdepartmental working group of planning practitioners representing the Departments of Development, Health, and Transportation, as well as publishes the group’s monthly newsletter. Matt holds a B.S. in Political Science from Bradley University and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. For the past four years, Matt has served as Secretary on The GardenWorks Project’s Board of Directors. Matt can be reached at matt@gardenworksproject.org