How to Help

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You pick the fruit. We'll deliver it!

Email us at: contact@lowhangingfruits.org

Include: 

• What type of fruit(s) you have picked
• Where you would like us to pick it up
• When you picked the fruit

Please place the fruit in containers you do not need (e.g. liftable cardboard boxes or paper bags).  

 If you live in San Mateo or Santa Clara county, we can pick and deliver the fruit. 

Email us at: contact@lowhangingfruits.org

Include:

• The type of fruit tree(s) that are available for picking
• Name
• Address
• Contact information
   

If you have extra packaged foods we will accept those as well. Recently we have been collecting excess fruit and vegetables from schools. If your school has a surplus to donate, please contact us at: contact@lowhangingfruits.org

1. Contact your local food bank about hosting a food drive on their behalf

2. Decide the format of your food drive

3. Promote your food drive: make flyers, tell your peers, post on social media, etc. 

4. Collect and deliver your food donations

Read more about how to start your own food drive: 

https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drives#food-drive

Farm Bill: Single largest piece of federal legislation for food and farming. It governs many nutrition/agriculture programs that work with food banks to assist people facing hunger. 

Tell lawmakers to pass a strong Farm Bill: https://act.feedingamerica.org/GDWZaAqGn02BAqoJ0xFkZg2?_ga=2.161663807.24434981.1684875311-1600191702.1684773449

• Before shopping, check to see what items you already have enough of to prevent having more of an item than you can use
• If available, purchase "ugly" (imperfect) produce. They are safe to eat but often get left behind at stores.

• Make sure your fridge is at a temperature that will keep your foods safe. Refrigerate peeled/cut veggies to maintain freshness
• Don't leave perishable food out for more than two hours
• Use your freezer to store foods and prevent them from going bad until they are ready to be eaten
• If you have more food than you can use, consider donating your extra supply
• Learn about food product dating: 
  • Generally, "Best if Used By" refers to when a product will be at its best flavor and quality

• If you have a medley of dishes, snacks, leftovers or other items, be creative with the items you have to create a dish! 
• Portion meals/snacks to avoid wasting
• If you prepared too much food for a party, for example, pack extras in containers for your guests/neighbors

• Encourage organizations/businesses to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Food Recovery Challenge
• EPA urges organizations and businesses to set goals and implement targeted strategies to reduce food waste 
  • They can report their results for recognition from EPA 

Learn more about EPA's program: 

https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/learn-about-food-recovery-challenge