Salem Foundation is proud to fund Salem Harvest, a non-profit organization that connects farmers and backyard growers with volunteer pickers to harvest fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. Salem Harvest has as its principal purpose the distribution of food without charge to children or homeless, unemployed, elderly or low-income individuals.
Grant funds have been used to create fun educational packets, providing opportunities for children to learn about healthy food and healthy environments. Families can access and download the information online at the Salem Harvest website (salemharvest.org/kidskorner.php) or at community outreach events.
The packets created thus far have focused on the importance of pollination in growing food, and local crops that families harvest through the Salem Harvest program. Salem Harvest enjoys sharing this information with kids and families when in the fields.
Since 2010 more than three million pounds of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables have been donated by a cheerful army of 2,600 volunteers, making Salem Harvest the largest community harvesting organization in Oregon. In a state that has one of the nation’s highest rates of childhood hunger, Salem Harvest volunteers and growers have the opportunity to provide direct support for thousands of families and individuals.
To further support Salem Harvest, please visit their website and donate: Salem Harvest
