The New Orleans Fruit Tree Project is a sustainable, community-based solution to food insecurity in the greater New Orleans area. Using a tree owner registration and volunteer time, The New Orleans Fruit Tree Project harvests fruits from private residential property in the city of New Orleans that would otherwise go to waste. The harvested produce is donated to local organizations that feed the hungry.

The New Orleans Fruit Tree Project aims to meet these objectives:

1. Empowering residents of New Orleans to help feed their neighbors and utilizing fresh, local produce that would otherwise go to waste
2. Increase the access of fresh, local produce to those who are most in need
3. Provide an educational opportunity for volunteers by teaching the proper techniques of fruit harvesting and the overall importance of creating healthy systems of sustainable, cost-free ways of obtaining healthy foods

To take a look at their volunteer opportunities, visit this page, and don’t forget to register your tree if you have one! If you’re a bartender, you might want to apply for NOFTP’s Kickoff to Citrus Season Cocktail Contest!