Harvesting

A backyard fruit tree usually produces far more fruit than a household can use themselves -- and the fruit is often wonderful to eat and use.  Here are some ways you can make good use of your abundance:

• If you have a larger amount of fruit, or are physically unable to harvest it because of age or disability, Village Harvest organizes teams of volunteers to harvest and share with community organizations.  Please fill out our Home Sign Up form to offer your extra fruit.
• If you're physically able, harvest it yourself and donate directly to local organizations.   See our Home Harvest FAQ's for tips, including ladder-less harvesting.  Check our Community Dropoff Locations for organizations in the SF Bay Area which accept donated fruit.
  
  Note: there are agricultural pest quarantines in effect in the the SF Bay Area. Under 2010 rules, homeowners may donate or move fruit in the county it was grown in, but may not transport fruit to other counties.
   
• Make good use of your own fruit!  In addition to eating fresh fruit (and sharing with friends and neighbors), consider preserving ... our Resources section can help get you started, and we have occasional preserving events as well.

See our Harvesting FAQs for common questions on "how to" and our harvesting service.

Volunteer Harvesting Assistance

In conjunction with community groups and other organizations, Village Harvest organizes volunteer harvesting teams to pick fruit and distribute it to worthwhile community organizations.  Because of high demand, this service is sometimes available only for people who need physical assistance, or for homes and small orchards with more than 150 lbs of fruit (several boxes).  For smaller quantities, see Community Dropoff Locations.

Donors will receive a charitable contribution tax receipt.  There is no charge for this service, although we appreciate and rely upon public support.  Please visit our support page to see how you can help.

Communities Currently Being Served:

• Santa Clara County:  Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose (most areas), Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto
• San Mateo County: Menlo Park, Redwood City (occasional)
• Alameda County: Berkeley, Oakland areas (occasional, but on hold in 2010)
• Santa Cruz County:  Santa Cruz, Summit areas (occasional)
• Yolo County: Davis

New communities are being added frequently as there are sufficient numbers of volunteers and homes interested.

Signing Up:

If you're interested, please fill out our Home Sign Up Form to send us your contact and fruit tree information.  A volunteer from Village Harvest will contact you when teams are being scheduled for your area.

If you're visiting this web page for a friend without web access, they can call our main telephone number (888) FRUIT-411 and leave a message with the following information:

• Name, address, phone number(s), email address
• Type, number, and size of trees
• When the fruit will be ripe, if known