As the fruit trees all begin to ripen, the Harvest Rescue program seeks volunteer fruit pickers to bring in the harvest. Over the next month there will be many apples, pears, plums, and possibly a few nut trees.

This summer has been busy for the Nelson Food Cupboard, who oversees the Harvest Rescue program. Urban gardeners have contributed fresh vegetables and fruit through the Grow A Row program, as well as a couple of the local fruit stands.

People with fruit trees and more fruit than they can handle can register with Harvest Rescue. Volunteers will pick the fruit before it is too ripe. Once picked, the fruit is divided into thirds. One third goes to the tree owner, one third to the volunteers and one third to the Nelson Food Cupboard Society.

Food donations may be dropped off at the Nelson Food Cupboard Mondays and Wednesdays between 9am and 12pm, and Thursdayfrom 12pm to 2pm. To register fruit trees or to become a volunteer, call Yasmin at 250 551 8343 or email harvestrescue@gmail.com.

The Harvest Rescue Program runs until mid October.