Spokane Edible Tree Project

The Spokane Edible Tree Project is a registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit Public Charity based in Spokane, Washington. The organization's mission is to mobilize community members and resources to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste by providing equitable access to healthy food in the greater Spokane area.

History and Impact

Since its inception in 2013, the Spokane Edible Tree Project has been instrumental in uniting fruit tree owners, volunteers, food banks, and community organizations. Through its food recovery efforts, the project focuses on harvesting and distributing uncollected produce from residential homes and local growers, thereby preventing waste and supporting families and individuals in need.

In recent years, the project has successfully harvested over 100,000 pounds of produce, which has been distributed to food banks and pantries that assist those facing hunger. This significant achievement underscores the organization's ongoing commitment to addressing hunger in Washington State.

Programs and Activities

In addition to its core harvest and distribution operations, the Spokane Edible Tree Project offers several programs:

• Glean for Good: This initiative involves community members donating fresh produce and volunteering to harvest food that would otherwise go to waste.

• Reproduce 81: This program involves collecting unused food from school districts and donating it to school pantries, hunger relief programs, and food banks.

• Educational Classes and Workshops: These educational programs teach the community about topics such as fruit tree maintenance and food waste prevention, empowering residents with knowledge to manage their trees effectively.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a vital role in the project's success. Key opportunities include:

• Tree Scouts: Volunteers who register productive and underutilized fruit trees in their neighborhoods. Training and materials are provided, and this role is active from mid-June to the end of October.

• Gleaning Events: These events involve gathering leftover produce during harvest seasons (late June to early November), offering a fun and accessible way for community members, including students and teachers, to participate.

Mission and Vision

The Spokane Edible Tree Project envisions a thriving urban community where everyone has access to healthy food through locally sourced resources and is skilled in the care and maintenance of fruit and nut trees. By fostering collaboration between volunteers, tree owners, and community organizations, the project aims to build a more sustainable and equitable food system in Spokane.