People in Campbell River with fruit trees in their yard can again take advantage of a free service to pick unwanted or excess fruit.
Greenways Land Trust’s Backyard Fruit Gleaning Project lets tree owners register their fruit trees for picking, while volunteers can sign up to help harvest fruit during the season.
The goal is to not only put the fruit to good use for the community, but also to lower wildlife encounters, especially those involving bears.
Outreach and food security coordinator Jeff Groat says the project supports tree owners who may not be able to pick their own fruit.
“It also strengthens our community by reducing food waste and enhancing local food security,” said Groat. “”We are thrilled to continue this project and encourage everyone to get involved.”
They say last year, the project harvested a record-breaking 6,000 pounds of fruit, donating it to the Campbell River Food Bank, School District 72 schools, and the salvation army lighthouse community kitchen among others.
If you participate, you can get up to 25 percent of the harvested fruit, with volunteers also getting 25 percent. The rest of the fruit would be donated to local organizations.
For how to register/volunteer, click here.
