News
SOURCES Wants to Help You Share the Harvest!
Surrey and White Rock, B.C. — Do you have a backyard fruit tree or a small-scale farm producing more than you can use? Since 2019, Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) has been helping local residents reduce food waste and give back to the community through its Community Harvest Program — also known as gleaning.
Gleaning involves collecting surplus or unharvested produce for charitable purposes. In urban areas like ours, that often means harvesting fruit such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries from residential properties or farms.
“Many people don’t realize how valuable their excess fruit and vegetables can be,” says Carrie Belanger, Food Security Manager at SOURCES. “Our program connects people who have extra with those who need it most — and in doing so, we reduce waste, support healthy eating, and build a stronger community.”
SOURCES frequently hears from residents who are either unable to harvest their own fruit or simply have more than they need. That’s where the program steps in.
How It Works
If you have a tree or crop to share, SOURCES asks that you get in touch before your fruit ripens — it takes about a week to coordinate a harvest. Once a request is received, SOURCES will:
· Schedule a harvest date with you
· Organize a team of trained, vetted volunteers
· Send the team — fully insured and equipped — to pick the produce
The harvested fruit is divided into three equal parts: one for the donor, one for the volunteers, and one for SOURCES Food Banks or other local charities.
“The fresh fruit and vegetables we receive through this program is a tremendous gift,” said Belanger. “It allows us to provide nutritious, seasonal options for individuals and families who rely on the food banks.”
Whether you’re unable to pick your own fruit and vegetables, or just want to see it put to good use, SOURCES’ Community Harvest Program makes it easy to share the bounty.
To learn more, to volunteer or to register your fruit tree or farm for gleaning, visit sourcesbc.ca or call 672-968-1479, or email foodhub@sourcesbc.ca.