Fruit Rescue launches ahead of South West Volunteer Expo

Fruit Rescue, an initiative of Leadership Great South Coast 2023 program participants, aims to collect surplus fruit that would otherwise go to waste from public spaces and gardens to be redirected to those in need. 

Director, Courtney Mathew said the project stemmed from concerns about food insecurity and growing demand for local emergency food relief. 

“The program brings together enthusiastic volunteers to ‘rescue’ and redistribute fruit to local food banks and community organisations,” Courtney said. 

“Even damaged fruit will get a second chance being distributed to local wildlife rescue groups.” 

Community members are encouraged to register their trees over the coming months. 

Volunteer pickers could then sign up to receive picking event invitations as fruit ripens later in the season. 

“The Fruit Rescue network brings a multitude of benefits to our region, including improved health, food security and stronger, neighbourly connections. 

“By coming together to share the abundance of our region, we can positively impact both our environment and the lives of those in need.”

Courtney highlighted that food waste was a critical global issue and the south west community was no exception. 

“It’s tragic that we are literally throwing away so much food at a time when many local families are struggling to put healthy food on the table.” 

A recent South West Healthcare food insecurity survey reported a third of respondents indicated they had run out of money to buy food during the past year. 

Western District Food Share Executive Officer Amanda Hennessy said her organisation was experiencing an 11 per cent increase in demand for emergency food relief services. 

Whilst canned goods were easier to stockpile, fresh produce could be harder to source. 

“With a focus on providing fresh produce to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity, this project will significantly increase our ability to distribute healthy and nutritious fruit via our 100 school and agency partners.” Amanda said.

Leadership Great South Coast is delivering Fruit Rescue in collaboration with Warrnambool Community Garden and Permaculture South West Victoria. 

How Fruit Rescue works: 

• Community members register their trees. 

• Volunteers sign up for harvest events of their choosing, contributing to a meaningful cause whilst receiving some fruit in return. 

• Harvested fruit is distributed between the community members who have registered the trees, the volunteer pickers and local community organisations such as Western District Food Share. 

How to get involved: 

To register a tree, volunteer or apply to be a distribution partner, visit fruitrescue.org.au.