Joy takes root when you serve: Land to Hand MT

A Recipe for Joy

Sometimes joy grows from the ground up. 

For Emily Hess, it began with dirt under her fingernails and arms full of produce. She found her place at Land to Hand in Montana’s Flathead Valley.

“I myself started as a volunteer,” Emily says, “and now I get to help others find that same joy.”

Drawn to the energy of her local farmers’ market and the volunteers handing out fresh food, Emily began showing up to help. One small step led to another — first as a board member, then as a staff member — and before long, she was coordinating programs that feed hundreds of local families each week.

Her story reminds us that volunteering doesn’t just change our communities.

It changes us.

Mix with Others Who Care

Volunteers who love food have no trouble digging into Land to Hand’s mission: building a just, local food system where everyone can access—and share—fresh, healthy food.

In the schools: Volunteers pack 375 weekend food bags so students who might otherwise go without can have healthy meals at home. 

At the pantry: Families shop for fresh ingredients with dignity, supported by volunteers who welcome them and keep shelves full.

In the garden: Kids learn where food comes from, hands in the dirt, tasting veggies they helped grow.

“Anytime we can get kids involved in food is exciting for me,” Emily says. “We can’t expect kids to love veggies if they’ve never planted or cooked them.”

Every activity — from sorting fresh produce to digging in the soil — offers volunteers a way to nourish others, and be nourished in return.

Set the Table for Everyone

Behind the scenes, Emily’s team found a simple way to keep volunteer shifts running smoothly.

“When our volunteer coordinator left, Unison helped fill the gap,” Emily explains. “Now it’s easy to schedule and communicate with volunteers, all in one place.”

By clearly outlining each opportunity, volunteers of all ages and abilities can find something that fits — whether it’s delivering food, gardening, or packing bags. For Emily, this gets to the heart of it all.

“We think a lot about accessibility for folks who have any kind of disability. Being able to clearly describe what the activity involves and what folks can expect — that helps everyone feel included in our mission.” 

The Secret Ingredient: Community

Ask Emily what keeps volunteers coming back, and she doesn’t hesitate.

“Community.”

Because when people roll up their sleeves together — whether in Montana, Missouri, or anywhere else — that’s what grows.

“Volunteering builds community. Folks catch up when they’re packing bags or working in the garden. And somebody who relied on food assistance in the past wants to give back now. It’s all about sharing in abundance.”

If you’re looking to find joy, purpose, or simply a new way to connect — take a page from Emily’s story.

Roll up your sleeves. Get your hands dirty.  See what takes root when you volunteer.

Learn more about Land to Hand.