Fruit trees often produce more fruit than one household is able to use, and gardens may produce more than one household needs.
Harvest Rescue, a program of the Nelson Food Cupboard Society, connects fruits and veggie donors with amazing volunteers who pick this surplus and share it with folks who need and want it.
One-third of the harvest will be left for the fruit donor, if desired. In addition to enhancing access to fresh, local produce, the Harvest Rescue program also reduces bear incidents and promotes the health and generosity of our community. Everyone wins.
Many fruit tree owners are reporting that this year their trees have little or no fruit. Common explanations for the lack of fruit are the cold spring and lack of pollinators. For many of the clients of the Nelson Food Cupboard, donations gleaned through the Harvest Rescue program are the only time they get to eat fresh, local fruit and vegetables. Are you blessed with abundance? Register as a donor today.
To register as a volunteer or donor, call 250-551-8343 or email harvestrescue@gmail.com. Advance booking is appreciated as it helps us to ensure available volunteers and reduces interactions with bears.
Fresh surplus produce of any kind, including Grow-a-Row donations, can also be dropped off at the Food Cupboard (in the basement of the United Church, on the corner of Josephine and Silica Street on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Harvest Rescue is very grateful to all of the donors, including the generosity of vendors at the local farmer’s markets (which includes donations of baked goods, and even flowers) and Nathalie’s Fruit Stand on the North Shore.