SARASOTA - Florida has many perks, including being able to grow fruit right in your own backyard. But at times, it gets to a point where you may have too much, and nowhere to put it but in the garbage. That's why for the past 6 years, one Suncoast organization has come up with a way for you to put that fruit to good use, while benefiting the community.
Managers at organizations like All Faiths Food Bank know what role fruit plays in their daily distribution. "Fresh produce is very important to a food bank. Obviously it's the healthier choice for everyone," said executive director Sandra Frank.
But by being "fresh" and "healthy," Frank said it runs out very fast. "Stock is very low right now, and it's so intriguing and it's such, so inconsistent because it's that time of year," she said.
If you have a fruit tree, you sometimes get to the point where you have too much extra fruit. Instead of throwing it away, you can instead give back to the community through an event on February 25 hosted by the Siesta Key Kiwanis Club. "We came up with the idea of gathering the fruit from people's yards, with their permission of course, and then we donate all of this fruit to the food bank to be used," said Fred Scheerle, a member of the Siesta Key Kiwanis Club.
Once signed up, Sarasota County residents would let a team of volunteers pick the fruit from the donated tree or choose the option to bag it themselves. "They can gather the fruit and just leave it there for us and we'll pick it up," Scheerle said.
It's a simple decision that Scheerle said helps out the food bank on many levels. "Providing them with fresh citrus, one, it keeps their costs down and it's a necessary item for them too to give out to the people."
Food bank managers also add that it's a way residents can give back to the community without giving anything out of their wallet. "It's not a loss to them financially, and they can make such a difference in the lives of the needy families here," Frank said.
If you are interested in participating in this or for more information, call Gary MacDonald at 752-1433 Ext. 3262.
