Volunteer as a Group

Community Fruit Rescue welcomes businesses, nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and informal groups to volunteer together during harvest season. Most of our harvest sites are small and accommodate just a few volunteers, but when fruit availability and staffing capacity allow, we may be able to coordinate private or semi-private harvest opportunities for larger groups.

REQUEST HERE

Which option is right for your group?

Small Groups (3–5 People)

If your group consists of a few friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers, we encourage each participant to register as a volunteer and sign up for a public harvest through our Harvest Calendar. Public harvests are free to attend and take place throughout the harvest season, though many fill quickly.

Groups seeking a dedicated volunteer experience: Complete the request form below.

Private & Semi-Private Group Harvests

For larger groups seeking a dedicated volunteer experience, Community Fruit Rescue may be able to coordinate a private or semi-private harvest site. These opportunities require additional staff time to recruit and schedule suitable sites, coordinate logistics, and provide harvest leadership. Priority is generally given to groups that can support this work through a financial contribution.

What to Expect

  • Together, your group will help reduce food waste, support local food access efforts, and ensure surplus fruit is put to good use rather than going to waste!

  • Most harvests take place between August and October, with September being our busiest month.

  • Harvests typically last 2–3 hours.

  • Volunteers can take a portion of the fruit home with them at the end of the harvest!

  • Group harvest opportunities depend on fruit availability, seasonal timing, and staff and harvest leader capacity.

  • We typically do not harvest in full-sized orchards or farms. Therefore, our harvest sites that require a large group of volunteers are limited. 

  • The more scheduling flexibility your group can provide, the easier it is for us to find a suitable harvest opportunity.

  • Private and semi-private group harvests require additional coordination, and priority is generally given to groups that are able to support this work through a financial contribution.

  • Submission of a request does not guarantee a harvest opportunity.

  • In order to volunteer as a fruit picker, each individual from your group must register as a CFR volunteer and sign our waiver. 

Ready to submit a request?

Complete the form below and our team will review your group's information, availability, and support needs before following up about potential opportunities. Group harvests are not guaranteed and depend on fruit availability, staffing capacity, and scheduling considerations.