As I arrived at Mustard Seed Community Farm for the first time, October’s harvest supermoon hung in the sky opposite of the rising sun. About 15 miles northwest of Ames, Iowa, Mustard Seed Community Farm dedicates its resources to combat local food insecurity through sustainable growing and giving.
The 11-acre farm employs regenerative farming and grows produce free of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The property includes prairie fields, a residence, and a diverse inventory of crops and animals. A shed full of garlic hanging overhead, freshly cut dahlias splayed across a workshop table, and dense raspberry bushes climbing their trellises are just snapshots of the magical space.
The founder of Mustard Seed Community Farm, Alice McGary, advocates by example, leading bi-weekly harvests donated to local food pantries, soup kitchens and families in need. As of 2023, over half of the food grown at Mustard Seed was given back to the community.
Volunteers are welcome and needed on harvest days. Their harvest days are Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (hours vary slightly by season).
“This spring will mark my third year volunteering with Mustard Seed,” Jess Kowalski, a senior double majoring in global resource systems as well as wildlife fisheries and conservation and ecology, said. “The mission of Mustard Seed, that everyone deserves access to fresh and nutritious food that’s grown sustainably, resonates with me.”
Kowalski began as an intern living on the farm, and has continued to volunteer, helping with harvest as well as farm administration, outreach and planning. “The farm is a beautiful place that can be a respite from campus/college life. I particularly love the prairie,” Kowalski said.
The harvest process is wonderfully organized, which made my volunteer experience easy to absorb and stress-free. As a new participant I had little prior knowledge of farming, but supposed that the best way to learn is by doing. Regulars often man the washing and packing stations, while the remaining volunteers go harvest the goods. The long-term volunteers were beyond helpful, as my group picked broccolini, radishes and tomatoes for donation.
“I volunteer at Mustard Seed because they care about our communities and work hard to create an inclusive environment that is dedicated to being kind to the land we’re on,” Tessa Clark, a senior agronomy major and horticulture minor, said. “The range of opportunities I’ve had, from unique leadership roles to learning how to can jams, has been so special.”
After harvesting produce, I joined the flower team in arranging bouquets, which I found far more challenging than expected. No matter my arranging abilities or lack thereof, the Mustard Seed team was incredibly supportive and light-hearted. Squeaker, one of the farm cats, would pop in and out to check our progress.
Last but not least, each volunteer can opt into receiving a variety box of produce to take home. Contribute to the community, attain volunteer hours, avoid a grocery run and meet some warm people at Mustard Seed Community Farm. Learn more about volunteering here.
