Greenways Land Trust wants to pick your fruit, Campbell River.
Specifically, the organization is launching the 2024 edition of its Backyard Fruit Gleaning Project. Fruit tree owners are invited to register with Greenways for gleaning. They are also looking for volunteers to help out with fruit picking events through the season.
"This initiative ensures that surplus fruit is put to good use in our community and helps reduce wildlife encounters, especially with bears," a release from Greenways says.
Participating tree owners receive up to a quarter of the harvested fruit, and volunteers will also share one quarter of the harvest. The remaining fruit gets donated to local food security partners, who make sure the fruits of Campbell River's labour gets back to Campbell Riverites in need.
Last year was a record year for the project, with over 6,000 lbs of fruit being collected over teh summer. The food was donated to the Campbell River Food Bank, Salvation Army Lighthouse Community Kitchen as well as a number of other local partners.
"Our Backyard Fruit Gleaning Project not only supports tree owners who may be unable to pick their own fruit, but it also strengthens our community by reducing food waste and enhancing local food security," Jeff Groat, Outreach and Food Security Coordinator at Greenways Land Trust. "We are thrilled to continue this project and encourage everyone to get involved."
Tree owners can register at the Greenways website, or by emailing Groat at jeff@greenwaystrust.ca. The team will contact registrants to schedule a time to pick. Volunteers can also sign up by contacting Groat or through the website.
