Urban foraging is part of a growing movement that connects unused backyard fruit trees with people who have the time and energy to harvest them. Many projects, like Salem Harvest, donate some of the produce to local food pantries.
The idea is simple: Homeowners who have trees, vines or berry bushes that produce more fresh fruit than they can use, register on our website.
Harvest parties are organized before the fruit is ripe, and volunteers sign up to harvest the fruit that might otherwise drop to the ground. We deliver half of each harvest to neighborhood food pantries affiliated with Marion-Polk Food Share, and harvest volunteers take home the other half for their own pantries.
Urban foraging is a way to strengthen neighborhood ties, preserve the knowledge and skills learned from our grandparents, and practice simple, sustainable lifestyles. Last, but not least, it’s a way to have fun.
Plus, Salem Harvest pickers are offered a discounted rate if they become members of Friends of Salem Saturday Market!
Harvest parties begin in July, but we are recruiting volunteer organizers and tree owners now. For more information about getting involved with Salem Harvest, click here.
