The labours of The Fruit Tree Project volunteers are helping to overcome a significant barrier to health and well-being among the poor in Richmond … We thank The Fruit Tree volunteers for their hard work to provide the food security that is essential to the health of individuals and community.

— Richmond Food Bank

Our Purposes

• To connect volunteers with surplus fruit and vegetables in Richmond.
• To grow vegetables and to harvest healthy produce to give to charitable food distribution organizations.
• To promote sustainability through workshops on issues related to food rescue, food security, organic practices, farm gardens and youth.
• To link with other similar projects who embrace the spirit of developing food rescue initiatives for the hungry, food preservation and community development through collaborations and the sharing of resources.

When did The Richmond Fruit Tree Project start?

The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project (RFTSP) started in 2001 with the help of the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project and the Richmond Community Kitchen organization.

Is the Richmond Fruit Tree Project a Registered Charitable Society?

In 2002 the project became a registered non-profit society with five founding directors. The RFTSP is a network of volunteers, property owners, community supporters and food recipients.

The RFTSP has a registered charitable number with CACR.

We believe this project provides a creative, sustainable solution to surplus produce, while meeting existing social services needs in the community.

— United Way of the Lower Mainland

Awards

2001 Volunteer Richmond Nova Star Award for Innovation
2002 Scotiabank United Way Lower Mainland Community Spirit Award

Our Partners and Funders

2008 Funders

BC Gaming Commission
Canada Summer Jobs
Global Green Solutions Inc.
Richmond Community Foundation
Metro Vancouver - Agricultural Awareness Program
Microsoft Canada Development Centre Employee Donations
Porteous Family
Service Canada - New Horizons for Seniors
United Way of the Lower Mainland
VanCity

2008 Community Partners and Supporters

City of Richmond
Richmond Food Bank
FarmFolk/CityFolk
Volunteer Richmond
Richmond Food Security Group
West Coast Seeds
Kwantlen University College
Van Well Nursery
Tzu Chi Foundation
University Sprinklers
Terra Nova School Yard Society
Members and volunteers