Thursday, September 18, 2008

Press Coverage & Thanks

Here is a nice note from Aviva of Southwest Community Harvest. Looks like gleaning is getting some national press coverage.

Hello volunteers,
I wanted to pause from scheduling trees to be picked and just say "thank you" to everyone who has made this season so bountiful. We are up to over 3,000 pounds - more than tripling last year's harvest! This fresh produce is so gratefully received at both the White Center and West Seattle food banks. It truely makes a difference, and each of your efforts are so key.

We are indeed still picking: plums are ripening, and then there are the pears. If you have some time on Tues, Weds, Fri evening, or Sunday afternoon, and you would like to pick, let me know.

We were lucky to get some press coverage this week: The New York Times ran an article "Foodbanks Finding Aid in Bounty of Backyard" which mentioned Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle. It's interesting to learn about similar efforts in California. Imagine harvesting lemons and limes instead of pears and apples. At the West Seattle Farmer's Market on Sunday, King-5 News interviewed Mary Ellen Cunningham, from Community Harvest. The interview was aired on the 5:00 news.

Thanks again for being a part of this program. Volunteers are what is making it happen!

Best,
Aviva Furman
Community Harvest of SW Seattle

Food Pod Updates

I am going to start this blog spot so we can see each others comments and ideas. If you have any feedback, leave a comment and we can keep in touch.

West Seattle Gleanit.org has too many trees to harvest and is asking our group if we can gather volunteers to handle any harvesting of trees in our neighborhoods. I listed an ad on craigslist for volunteers and am asking neighbors. If anyone is available to help harvest, please let me know and we can set up a time to meet and pick fruit to drop off at the food bank. Pears and plums are ready.
I hope everyone is enjoying the last days of summer.