ECO: Turn Lemons into Community Aid - Fruit Harvesting

Help harvest 2,000-5,000 pounds (or 6,000-15,000 servings) of fresh citrus for Feeding San Diego, who will distribute the produce to organizations across San Diego County that are serving food insecure communities.

Volunteers will be picking juicy lemons on a beautiful private grove in Rancho Santa Fe. By rescuing excess fruit that would otherwise fall to the ground, volunteers help feed their neighbors who have a hard time getting fresh, healthy foods. They are also fighting food waste, conserving resources, and protecting the planet. Other volunteer activities include carrying fruit in bags and/or wagons from the orchard to large food bank containers.

Although people don't eat lemons like they would oranges or another fruit, lemons can be an important part of someone's diet and are commonly used in cooking and beverages. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which is vital to the body's healing processes.

Here are a few tips for picking citrus:

• Citrus does not ripen after it is picked. Please only pick fruit that is completely yellow with no green. Ripe fruit will come off the branches easily.

• Please only pick fruit that you would want to eat. Please no green/hard fruit or soft/shriveled fruit.

• When placing the fruit in the bins, please make sure it is free of stems and leaves. This helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

• Attire: Sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty (there may still be mud), hat, sunglasses, and comfortable layers (jacket for the cooler morning that can be taken off as the day heats up). Wearing long sleeves is recommended because lemon trees have thorns. This opportunity takes place outdoors with little or no shade.

• Bring: Reusable water bottle. ProduceGood has gardening/picking gloves available for all volunteers, but some volunteers may prefer to bring their own.

• Physical Ability: The volunteer will be bending, reaching, lifting up to 20-30 lbs, and standing for the duration of the event. Volunteers may take whatever breaks they would like. Please come to the project hydrated. Unfortunately the orchard where this project takes place is not wheelchair accessible. 

• Safety: ProduceGood is operating under specific safety precautions to support the growing need for food assistance throughout our community. Please stay home if you are feeling ill.

• Waiver: Please fill out and bring ProduceGood's volunteer waiver with you to the project (unless you sign it when you register for this volunteer opportunity). Extra copies will be available if needed. 

About ProduceGood

ProduceGood's mission is to build an active and engaged community committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger, reclaim and repurpose waste and promote the health and well-being of all.

​Turn Lemons into Community Aid is hosted in partnership with California Climate Action Corps, a program of California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, and HandsOn San Diego.