Local companies looking for a hands-on team outing have a new option at 52 Lowell St. LexFarm, the nonprofit community farm in Lexington, is booking corporate volunteer groups of 10 to 30 employees for field work sessions running August through October.

Pamela Tames of the Lexington Community Farm Coalition announced the opening in the Lexington Observer on July 17. Groups will spend two to three hours working alongside LexFarm's small field crew on tasks including transplanting seedlings, weeding, spreading mulch, removing invasive plants, and setting trellis posts.

Sessions are available Wednesday and Thursday mornings and Monday afternoons, with specific dates scheduled through volunteer coordinator Sara Bothwell Allen at [email protected]. Participating companies are asked to make a monetary donation to support LexFarm's programs; no specific amount is listed publicly.

How corporate volunteering supports food access

LexFarm operates on a lean staff and depends on volunteer labor to keep its certified-organic fields productive. During its 2025 growing season, the farm donated more than 6,000 pounds of fresh produce to hunger relief partners including Food Link, the Lexington Food Pantry, and Arlington EATS, according to a June 29 announcement by the Lexington Community Farm Coalition. The farm also provided an $18,000 match to SNAP and HIP recipients through its SNAP Match Program, which doubles every SNAP dollar spent on produce up to $10 per visit.

More than 400 children and adults participated in LexFarm's volunteer programs during 2025, according to the farm's website. Ballentine Partners, a prior corporate group, said on LexFarm's volunteer page that the experience was "a rewarding opportunity to learn more about farming and contributing to the work behind healthy food."

The Feed Local, Give Local campaign is raising $20,000 to continue and expand the SNAP Match Program, which is supported by Cambridge Savings Bank and Whole Foods Market.

Upcoming LexFarm events

  • Walking Wednesdays: Free guided nature walks led by educator Wendy Ernst, 11 a.m. to noon. Next dates: Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Wednesday, Sept. 16.
  • First and Third Saturday Field Work: Through October, 10 a.m. to noon. All ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
  • Thursday Morning Field Work: Through October, 10 a.m. to noon. Adults 18 and older.

Companies can reach Sara Bothwell Allen at [email protected] to schedule a group session.