Celebrate Earth Day by Volunteering at these Philadelphia Organizations

Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of the power we hold when we come together to care for our planet and support one another. This year, why not celebrate by rolling up your sleeves and volunteering with some of Philadelphia’s most impactful organizations working at the intersection of food justice, sustainability, and community empowerment?

Here are five meaningful ways to honor Earth Day while making a difference in your local community.

South Philly Community Fridge

The South Philly Community Fridge has become a vital resource for residents since its launch in 2020. With the simple motto of “Take what you need, leave what you can,” the fridge’s mission is twofold: to prevent food waste and ensure access to fresh, nutritious food for everyone in the community. A typical day might include rescuing food from local grocery stores, cleaning out fridges, and stocking them with donations ranging from produce to home-cooked meals. Volunteering here is incredibly flexible. The fridge is open 24/7 and always welcomes new faces. Whether you’re cleaning and organizing, driving donations from stores, meeting donation drivers, or using donated funds to buy groceries, there’s always something meaningful to do. Curious about how volunteers shape this mission? Check out my interview with longtime volunteer Victoria Jayne to see how she uses her professional background to support and grow the fridge’s impact.

Sankofa Community Farm

Sankofa Community Farm, located inside the historic Bartram’s Garden, is more than just soil and seeds. It’s a cultural force dedicated to preserving African diasporic agricultural practices and empowering local youth. The team uses no-till farming and companion planting techniques, blending African and Indigenous traditions to grow healthy food and build stronger communities. Volunteer days are held every two weeks and offer opportunities to help with planting, weeding, harvesting, orchard support, and more. You’ll work alongside passionate farm staff who guide you through the day’s activities. As shared in my interview with program organizer Alexis Wiley, Sankofa serves 40 to 60 families annually through gardening and food access programs, all rooted in a deep commitment to cultural foodways and youth leadership.

Sanctuary Farm

Sanctuary Farm programs include gardening classes, cooking demos, blood pressure screenings, and nutrition education, designed to build food sovereignty from the ground up. Volunteer opportunities range from working in the garden to assisting with public events and educational sessions. Andrea Vettori, who leads the nonprofit, envisions a model where people receive food and gain the tools and knowledge to care for their health long-term. You can read more about her story and Sanctuary Farm’s mission in my interview with Andrea Vettori, where she discusses how the organization grew into a thriving space for community wellness.

Norris Square Neighborhood Project 

The Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) offers another inspiring opportunity to get involved. This Earth Day, NSNP is hosting a Garden Day of Service on April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can join neighbors and volunteers across six community gardens celebrating Puerto Rican heritage and environmental stewardship. The day begins with garden projects and ends with lunch, art activities, and community garden tours. NSNP’s gardens are more than just green spaces—they are cultural landmarks and places of connection. Volunteering here is a chance to contribute to a vision of community rooted in both land and legacy. 

The Farm at Awbury Arboretum

Finally, on April 19 from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M., head to The Farm at Awbury Arboretum in Northwest Philly for a fun and hands-on Earth Day celebration. Volunteers can help with gardening tasks, attend a garlic mustard foraging workshop, create leaf prints, and even enjoy goat time with the Philly Goat Project. Awbury is a free public garden founded on Quaker social justice and inclusion values. Their Earth Day celebration is both educational and joyful—perfect for families, friends, or first-time volunteers.

Philadelphia is full of organizations that understand how deeply connected food, health, land, and justice are. Volunteering with them is a powerful way to celebrate Earth Day and support your neighbors. Whether you’re stocking a fridge, planting seeds, or lending a hand in a community garden, remember no action is too small when it comes to caring for our planet.

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