The picked fruit is then divided among the tree owner, the picker and the food bank. 

Organizing volunteers to harvest urban fruit trees and share the fruit with the community

The FruitSave Project is a local gleaning program that organizes volunteers to harvest backyard fruit that would otherwise go to waste.  This naturally grown fruit is shared equally between the homeowner, the pickers, and the Valley’s many food banks and community kitchens.  FruitSave Canning & Preserving Workshops are held in the late summer to help teach the community how to enjoy the harvest all year long.

Why is this project important?

95% of the food we eat on Vancouver Island is brought in by ferry, often after travelling thousands of kilometers, and yet we have one of the finest climates for growing food in Canada. Backyard fruit trees in the Valley offer tonnes of nutritious food every year, but much of it falls to the ground uneaten. Now there is a way to get this fruit to those who need it most, and to learn how easy it can be to feed ourselves with beautiful, wholesome, Cowichan-grown food!

Who benefits?

Homeowners get their fruit trees picked and windfall apples gathered for free and are left with 1/3 of the harvest. Not only will their yards be cleaner, but they can also feel satisfied that the fruit from their trees will help many people throughout the community.

Harvesters can enjoy some sunshine and gentle exercise with a friend while picking and then take home 1/3 of the fruit if they wish.

The Community benefits from donation of fresh, local food. The FruitSave Project supports many organizations, such as:

• Cowichan Valley Basket Society
• Community Options Society
• Cowichan Independent Living
• House of Friendship

How can I help?

• Fill out a form if you don't use all the fruit on your trees or if you need help picking;
• Volunteer to spend a few hours picking fruit and take a portion of the delicious harvest home with you;
• Donate items like picking poles, ladders, pails, and truck time.

Note:  If you have "critter-proof" storage space (basement, garage, storage shed) that you would like to offer as temporary storage for fruit, please let us know!  With your support, we can make use of a valuable resource, get healthy food to those who need it most and minimize food waste.

Funding provided by: