Fruit for thought. . .

~ Share the Fruits ~
Hamilton's Fruit Tree Project

We pick fruit trees in the Hamilton area that would otherwise go unpicked
and share the harvest with tree owners,
our volunteers & local food banks.

To register your trees, volunteer, or request a fruit donation,

CONTACT US:
eatlocal@environmenthamilton.org

905-572-5967

About the Project:

While conducting tree inventories in the 2004 and 2005 Trees Count program, Environment Hamilton (EH) staff noticed that there were many unpicked fruit trees in backyards throughout the City of Hamilton. When EH learned about urban fruit picking projects in British Columbia, we were inspired to imagine how we might start a similar project here in the Hamilton area, picking fruit trees whose bounty would otherwise go to waste and sharing the fruit with the wider community. We saw the Hamilton Fruit Tree Project as way to divert food waste and help address urban food insecurity.

The project officially began on August 23, 2005 when we picked our first two pear trees. Our dedicated volunteers picked until mid-October. In this short amount of time we were able to harvest an astounding 1,380 lbs of fruit! We shared approximately 100 lbs of fruit with tree owners, 100 lbs with our fruit picking volunteers, and over 1000 lbs with local food banks and other food agencies.

Almost all of the transportation for fruit picking and distribution was done with bicycles and bike trailers!

We are now gearing up for an exciting 2006 picking season, and there are many ways that you can get involved …

Get involved:

Volunteer:
We are looking for volunteers to help make this year's fruit picking project a great success. Here are a few ways you can volunteer:

1. Join fruit picks when you have time, or sign up for a regular picking shift
2. Become a picking leader in East Hamilton, North Hamilton, the West End , Dundas , Ancaster, or the Hamilton Mountain
3. Help distribute fruit to local food agencies
4. Share your empty garage or shed. We need places to store our equipment!

Register your trees:
Do you have unsprayed fruit trees that you aren't able to pick? Would you like some help? Please call to arrange a time for us to come and help you pick your trees. Tree owners keep one third of the fruit, if desired.

Request a fruit donation:
Could your community group or agency use a donation of fresh fruit? If so, give us a shout and we'll be happy to share the harvest with you!

Support the fruit tree project:
We are currently seeking donations, including: financial donations, used bathroom scales, bicycles, bicycle trailers or kid carts, and food dehydrators. Tax receipts are available from our charitable partner OPIRG McMaster.

Cheques payable to: “Ontario PIRG”

Mail cheques to:
OPIRG McMaster, Box 1013, McMaster University,
1280 Main Street W. Hamilton ON L8S 1C0