Community Fruit Harvesting

Turning backyard abundance into shared nourishment.
Image of three people, one on a ladder and two on the ground, harvesting cherries from a large tree. Most of the image is green (grass, leaves, background foliage.
Volunteers harvesting ranier cherries from an enormous backyard tree – July 2025

The Community Fruit Harvesting Project connects neighbours who have fruit trees with volunteers who help harvest, share, and redistribute the fruit.

Every season, fruit ripens faster than people can keep up with it. This initiative exists to make sure that abundance doesn’t go to waste — and that the benefits are shared.

a group of people standing in front of a pear tree. and a ladder. Three reusable shopping bags full of pears are on the ground in gront of them.

How it works

  1. Tree owners register their fruit tree(s)
  2. Volunteers sign up to help harvest
  3. Harvested fruit is shared among:
    • the tree owner
    • the volunteers
    • community fridges, pantries, food banks, and shelters

We handle coordination, safety guidance, and harvest planning so the process feels supportive and accessible.

several buckets and a shopping bag full of green apples, next to a black backpack, all sitting on a paved surface.
Harvested apples from a single tree (2023)
a worker from the salvation army food bank, standing next to the salvation army van, holding a box of green apples donated by the community fruit harvesting project.
Salvation Army food bank donation (2023)
an open mini fridge filled with apples, pears, and juice boxes.
A local community fridge donation (2025)

Why it matters

  • Reduces food waste
  • Builds neighbour-to-neighbour relationships
  • Increases access to fresh, local food
  • Creates meaningful volunteer opportunities

You don’t need experience — just a willingness to get involved.

More ways to→ Get Involved