From Branch to Basket: Harvest Season Begins

We’re pleased to share that the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust’s 2025 Harvest Program has been featured in the Gulf Islands Driftwood. As plums and cherries ripen on the trees, our harvest season is officially underway, and we are once again calling on volunteers to join us in this community-powered effort.

The Driftwood Article

The 2025 harvest season has officially begun, and the SSI Farmland Trust Food Share Program is calling on the community to get involved. This grassroots initiative connects landowners with excess fruit to a network of volunteers who help harvest and share the bounty. In 2024 alone, the program rescued over 15,000 pounds of apples from going to waste—fruit that was redistributed to community partners like the Food Bank, Gabriel’s Kitchen, and IWAV.

The magic of the Food Share lies in its volunteers. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or just curious about local food systems, everyone is welcome to join. There’s no minimum commitment, and volunteers take home a share of the harvest. It’s a great way to meet your neighbours, spend time outdoors, and make a meaningful contribution to food security on the island. 

This year, there are even more reasons to get involved. With a new commercial apple press up and running, the team is launching “Eternal Apple Juice” in 2L jugs, and “Cosmic Elixir” mocktails. These will be available weekly at the Tuesday Market in Centennial Park, and the Food Share is actively seeking more avenues for sales. Got an event that could use a delicious dose of eternity? Let the team know. As always, proceeds go directly back into the program, allowing us to keep it running and expand its reach. It’s a truly delicious way to support a good cause. 

At The Root, the Food Share’s home base at 189 Beddis Rd., people in the know can look forward to our popular Monthly Food Exchanges. These will be hosted every third Sunday of the month from 3-5pm, where anyone can come with a homemade or homegrown food item to share, potluck style. Let’s share in each other's success and talk gratitude for our beautiful island. 

If you want to be part of this vibrant, growing community—harvesting fruit, making juice, building community—you can sign up now at the Farmland Trust Food Share website by clicking the “Volunteer Registration Form.”

Last year was great, and we can’t wait to make it happen again with your help. Join the Food Share, and help good food take root! 

– Written by Ella Rowland - Food Share Co-Ordinator

Are you interested in volunteering? Please visit our Volunteer Registration page.

Do you have abundant crops that can be harvested and shared to you, the volunteers and community organizations? Please visit our Crop Registration Form.

Let’s make this another impactful season Salt Spring ❤️