Grapes for good: Elon volunteers get ready to harvest for ‘The Big Pick’

"The Big Pick" offers a way to give back while spending time outdoors in a beautiful setting.

Elon University students and faculty will come together for “The Big Pick” on Oct. 5.

“The Big Pick” is an opportunity for the Elon community to make a local impact, spending their morning picking grapes at Guildford County Farm. The harvested produce is then donated to local families, churches and organizations working to address food insecurity. The grapes provide fresh, nutritious options for those in need, reinforcing the farm’s role as a source of both food and community support.

Guildford County Farm has a rich history. Once a correctional facility, it has been transformed into a vibrant farm with local agriculture and community engagement. The farm is home to goats and features a lake where people often come to fish.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues until around noon, offering a full morning of productive work and interaction with community members. Elon’s Kernodle Center for Civic Life provides transportation to the farm, making it easy for students to get involved. “The Big Pick” offers a way to give back while spending time outdoors in a beautiful setting.