The Guelph Fruit Tree Project is an effort to to reconnect our urban food network and making use of the abundant food sources in our own community.  We map public food sources and register privately owned fruit trees which are under used.  The Appleseed Collective organizes harvesting days and arranges to collect food as it comes into season.  This food is then either given away to those who need it most, used in workshops, or processed into a value added product that can be used for fundraising efforts.

Currently the Appleseed Collective has access to more than 30 trees within city limits, and several orchards out of town.  Most of the trees are apple, but there are pear, cherry, plum, mulberry, crabapple, and grapevines.  Organizations on the receiving end include Wyndham House, Our Place, the Shelldale Center, several neighbourhood groups, the Guelph Food Bank, the Campus Food Bank, Guelph Union of Tenants and Supporters, the Welcome In Drop In Center, and more. 

The Appleseed Collective is looking to expand our database of trees, volunteers, and recipient organizations.  We are looking for members of the public with fruit or nut trees that could be made available, and we are also looking for volunteers and recipient organizations. 

Harvesting all the fruit we have access to has been a challenge in past years due to our lack of a consistent means of transportation.  This year we are seeking the donation of a truck or van for the purposes of transporting volunteers and fruit.  This would dramatically increase our ability to ensure tens of thousands of pounds of fruit does not go to waste.  If anyone can help us with such a donation, it would greatly assist us and the many families who would benefit from our projects.