Community Collaboration Brings Fresh Fruit to Local Families in Need

Volunteers and Rotary members harvested 350 pounds of oranges at Rancho Tajiguas and distributed the fruit to nonprofits serving families in Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc and Santa Barbara.

Volunteers from Veggie Rescue and members of the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary clubs harvested fresh oranges at Rancho Tajiguas on land stewarded by the Gaviota Coast Conservancy. The harvest took place on a Friday morning and the fruit was moved quickly to partner organizations. The effort is part of ongoing local work to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh produce. Veggie Rescue described the activity as an example of community groups working together. What happened: - Volunteers and Rotary members harvested 350 pounds of oranges at Rancho Tajiguas. - The land where the harvest occurred is stewarded by the Gaviota Coast Conservancy. - Veggie Rescue coordinated staff and volunteers for the harvest. - The fruit was distributed to nonprofit partners serving people in the Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc and Santa Barbara. - Veggie Rescue said the partnership aims to reduce food waste and move fresh food quickly to tables. Summary: The harvest provided fresh fruit to local nonprofit partners, helping supply families and individuals experiencing food insecurity in several communities across Santa Barbara County. Veggie Rescue said it is working toward rescuing one million pounds of food each year. Undetermined at this time.