Our Purpose

There is a lot of local food going to waste that could be put to good use. There are more than 17,000 fruit and nut trees on city property alone, and we currently have more than 500 trees registered for harvesting on private property. According to Ottawa Public Health, it is estimated 1 in 7 of Ottawa households are food insecure, with 1 in 10  experiencing moderate to serve food insecurity (Ottawa Public Health, 2020). Harvesting what grows around us can make a big difference for those who do not have access to nutritious food options. 

What We Do

We support volunteer Neighbourhood Leaders to organize the harvest of fruits and nuts that would otherwise go to waste on public and private property. Tree owners can register their trees for harvesting, and volunteers can register to join harvest events, through our website. As a charitable project with insurance for our operations, we provide the opportunity for people to access the edible fruit and nut trees that surround them.

Other volunteers are involved in providing broader support to Hidden Harvest. A lead volunteer conducts training at least three times a year to train new Neighbourhood Leaders. Other volunteers run workshops and educational events for the Ottawa community. A group of eight committed volunteers operate our hands-on Advisory Committee, making strategic decisions, managing our budget, and planning our fundraisers. By removing challenges to access low-hanging fruit, our volunteers are increasing their food sovereignty and that of the local population, preventing food waste and helping to develop Ottawa towards being a food-tree friendly city.

Once the fruit or nuts are gathered, the food is divided into four ways:

Donated to the nearest food agency

Shared amongst the volunteer harvesters

Shared with the treeowner if they would like a portion

Shared with Hidden Harvest Ottawa to provide to local processors and restaurants with whom we have an agreement

What is Gleaning

Gleaning is the process of collecting food that would otherwise go to waste.  Gleaned food may come from farms, gardens, farmers markets, grocery stores or restaurants. Some gleaning groups search for food from farms or grocery stores,  however, Hidden Harvest currently gleans the edible fruit trees, nut trees, and vines around the City of Ottawa – all harvests that have a barrier to pickings, such as requiring equipment, or knowledge as to how to pick it safely. 

 

The practice of gleaning simultaneously improves food security and reduces food waste. As Ottawa grows many fruits and nuts that are edible, healthy, and delicious, we believe that embracing the fruitful trees in Ottawa is an important part of taking good care of our city. If you would like to learn more about gleaning and the different organizations that are located within Canada, check out this list of Canadian Fruit Tree Harvesting Organizations! 

 

List of Canadian Fruit Tree Harvesting Organizations