I ran across this organization a while back, forgot about it and recently rediscovered it while reading up on the Atlanta Local Food Initiative Fruit Tree, Vine, and Berry Bush Sale. (Tomorrow! Cash/check sales of pears, apple, plums, pomegranate, pawpaws, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and more I am forgetting I’m sure – you should go!)

Check these peeps out. They – with plenty of volunteers – gather unused/unwanted/excess fruits and nuts from commercial and residential properties to feed those in need. With fresh, healthy food. Amazing! And just so it’s clear how awesome and big this could get (why there’s no excuse not to be involved somehow) – they will come gather the food from your property and you are entitled to keep some of it. That’s like a free service for you in addition to all the good you’d be doing by donating your food. Don’t have any fruiting plants? No problem. Do you eat food? Volunteers to help to gather food are also entitled to keep some of what they pick. Save money by picking your own food and help people. Too awesome.

I think this is an incredibly creative and highly functional approach to helping provide hungry people with food. It’s free (okay gas costs, but still cheaper than simply buying food), it raises awareness about growing your own food, and it provides a modest, tangible benefit for those who help (lowers perceived opportunity cost, making volunteering more desirable). Just all-around smart. I look forward to participating!