Sudbury's Fruit for All still harvesting backyard fruit — and needs a few hands

A community program in Sudbury is again looking for fruit donations — and volunteers willing to help with the picking.

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Fruit for All, a program of Eat Local Sudbury, works to save the excess fruit in people's yards from going to waste, and instead donates some of it to groups like the Elgin Street Mission, the Sudbury Food Bank and the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth.

Program Director Carrie Regenstreif said about 400 lbs of fruit was collected last year. This year, with some volunteer help, she'd like to triple that amount — at least. 

"Most of it goes to food programs in the community," said Regenstreif.

"But the fruit owner is welcome to keep some if they just weren't able to pick it themselves for whatever reason, and the volunteers can keep a portion as well."

As for what needs picking in Greater Sudbury at the moment — get out your bushel baskets. 

"We're just gearing up to expect apples probably starting in a couple of weeks from now, based on last year. And raspberries [will be ready] anytime," Regenstreif said. 

And, if you're out and about at community events in Sudbury this summer, don't be surprised to see Fruit for All selling a few salvaged apples. The group is trying out ways to generate enough revenue to keep the program going. 

Listen to the complete interview with Carrie Regenstreif.

Morning North8:48Fruit For All

If you have leftover fruit in your yard, Fruit For All has a solution. It's a group of volunteers who will pick your surplus fruit and donate it to community food programs. Program manager Carrie Regenstreif spoke to us about it.

Anyone who wants to donate the excess fruit in their yard or help to pick for the program can contact Eat Local Sudbury.