Progress on the Guide to Backyard Fruit is coming along nicely.  I’m currently working on the “Harvesting Options” section.  In this chapter, I’d like to list as many options and ideas for homeowners who are unable to harvest their own fruit as possible.  The goal is to have fruit being used not wasted.

What ideas would you suggest for this chapter of the Guide?

Here’s what I’ve got so far…

Harvesting Options 

• Register your fruit with Fruit Share to come harvest your fruit for you.  Fruit Share will send a team of volunteers who will pick your fruit and then split it three ways 1/3 stays with you (if you’d like), 1/3 is split between the volunteers and 1/3 is shared with community food charities.  
• Host a family fruit picking party.  Turn the chore of fruit picking into an annual fun, family event.  In return for picking all of your fruit, serve light refreshments, order in some pizza or turn it into a potluck. If there’s too much fruit for your family, add a trip to a local food charity to donate any extras.
• Ask you friends and neighbours for help with harvesting fruit.  And, while they’re picking for themselves, ask them to pick an extra bag for the neighbour down the street who isn’t as mobile but would appreciate some fresh fruit.  It’s a great way to build positive relationships with people on your block.
• Hire a neighbourhood teenager to harvest your fruit for you.  If you don’t know who to call, ask your community centre for a list of neighbourhood babysitters or dog walkers. These keen, young individuals might consider adding fruit picking to their repertoire of services offered.
• Ask your local garden club, church or community centre to post a notice asking for people to pick your fruit in return for a share of the bounty.
• Put a classified ad in your community paper or online at places like Kijiji Winnipeg.  Offer free fruit in return for fruit picking.  There are a lot of people who welcome the opportunity to get some fruit.
• Ask some of the vendors at a local Farmers’ Market if they would be interested in picking your fruit.  For a list of Farmers’ Markets in Manitoba visit the Farmers’ Markets Association of Manitoba or call (204)485-7574.
• Ask a local community group to pick your fruit in return for a share of the harvest.  For example the Boys and Girls Club.
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Would welcome any ideas and links to other organizations that are interested in picking fruit.

Thank you