Farm Tours and Volunteer Guidebook

Thank you for your interest in visiting and volunteering at Sole Food! This document will act as a helpful guide for your next steps. Whether you are an individual looking to get involved, a high school teacher in search of a field trip or an enterprise seeking a corporate volunteer opportunity, Sole Food just might be the perfect place! 

Before reading further, it is important that we are clear on our expectations of anyone visiting the farm. We are committed to providing a safe and secure space for staff to work, specifically for marginalized people including BIPOC, queer folks, drug users, neurodivergent folks, and people with disabilities. Any form of harassment is unacceptable behavior. It is anticipated that everyone on-site will conduct themselves in a courteous, considerate, and respectful manner at all times. Please ensure these expectations are clear with your group prior to visiting the farm. 

As a social enterprise and charitable organization, we strive to provide meaningful employment, education opportunities, and community connection through our urban farm. Our programs are staffed by our busy team of farmers and we aim to ensure all offerings reflect the real cost of time, planning, and delivery. That being said, we believe in accessibility. When budget is a barrier, we are happy to discuss a sliding scale or other options whenever possible. Payment can be made directly to the farm, but please let us know if you require a charitable tax receipt, as this can be arranged.

Keep reading to learn more!

Tours  

Why take a tour of Sole Food?

As an organisation, we are incredibly proud of the space and the community at Sole Food. If you, your business or your organization is looking to learn more about our program, book a tour! For a small fee, we provide personalized, guided tours of the farm. You and your group will learn about the history of Sole Food, get a chance to see the space up close and meet some of the farmers (some of whom have worked with the farm for over a decade). The tour will also include fun facts tailored to your team as well as a sample of fresh fruits and veg. We’ll end with a question and answer period with staff and farmers! 

Tours will last for about one hour and generally will take place between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. If alternative timing is needed, this can be addressed on a case-by-case basis. 

Please Note: this does not include a volunteer/hands on experience. Please see the Volunteer Section below if you are interested in more than a tour.

Individuals and Small Groups 

  • Groups of up to 10  

  • $25 per person up to $250 

Large Groups

  • Groups of 10 or more, up to 35

  • Base rate of $300 

Educational Groups 

  • Flat rate of $200 

  • Kindergarten through to post-secondary

Event Rental

Why host an event at Sole Food?

Why not host an event at Sole Food? If you are looking to host an event, be that a farm-table dinner, a volunteer appreciation dinner or an awards ceremony, consider Sole Food! Located at the back of the farm is a lovely event space with a large tent and picnic tables surrounded by our beautiful orchard. 

Base Rental of Back Tent and Orchard Space

Fee Breakdown: 

  • $30-60 per hour 

Depending on size, staffing, and amenities required.

Host an event with Sole Food 

Let’s talk. We are open to co-creating events where your values align with ours. Sliding scale or in-kind exchange may be possible. Please contact laura@solefoodfarms.com directly for more information regarding collaboration. 

Volunteer

Why volunteer with Sole Food?

At Sole Food, we believe deeply in the power and importance of community. Whether you work for a small business or non-profit, are an employee at a large scale corporation or an individual looking for a volunteer opportunity, consider Sole Food! Volunteers are extremely valuable to our operations. Not only does donating your time come with the benefits of supporting an organization working towards employing folks who experience barriers to employment, it also comes with a truly unique experience in Vancouver. Spend your day in the heart of False Creek, get your hands in the soil, talk and laugh with our incredible team of farmers and take home some free produce! We’ve broken down your options below. 

Volunteer Days Include: 

  • ‘Days’ are half-days, 4 hours including a 15 minute break 

    • Please specify if you are looking for a full 8 hr day 

  • A short non-extensive tour of Sole Foods (20-30 minutes)

  • Customized tasks provided by the Sole Foods Team 

Personal Volunteer Days 

Interested in volunteering as an individual at Sole Food Street Farms? Amazing! Please see our Volunteer Application Handbook. No fees apply but we request applicants to consider volunteering a serious commitment of your time. If the time commitment is not available to you, keep an eye on our social media where we’ll advertise our drop in volunteer days. 

Next Steps 

Thank you for considering Sole Food as an opportunity for social and community engagement. If any of these options feel aligned with your goals, please email info@solefoodfarms.com  directly with your request.

Large Group Volunteer Days 

If you work for a small organization, business or non-profit, this might be the option for you! 

Fee Breakdown: 

  • $250–$500 per half-daySupports coordination, supervision, and materials. Sliding scale available for community partners on a case-by-case basis.

Corporate Volunteer Days 

Are you a corporation looking to do good, strengthen your team's bonds and engage in meaningful work within your community. Consider volunteering your time at Sole Food Farms! 

Perks of corporate volunteerism include: 

Improve team communication and moral 

Improve enterprise social relations via social media and promotion 

Improve engagement with community organizations and social impact 

Fee Breakdown: 

  • $750–$1,500 per half-dayIncludes team facilitation, farm orientation/tour, and tools. Pricing varies with group size and customization (e.g., team-building add-ons, produce tastings).

Educational Volunteer Days 

Are you a teacher or educational staff? Looking to support students with hands-on learning and community involvement? Consider bringing your class to Sole Food Farms!

What the day could include (depending on class size/age/needs etc): 

  • A short tour of the farm followed by a question and answer session with a farmer 

  • Breakout groups work through tasks on the farm which include but are not limited to harvesting, weeding, bed clearing, vegetable processing, compost work and tomato maintenance

Fee Breakdown: 

  • $300–$500 per half-day

Includes guided tour as well as question and answer period for students, team facilitation and organization as well as customized tasks. Price will vary depending on size and age of the group.