Saving Food Together
Hidden Harvest relies on trained volunteer Neighbourhood Leaders to organize harvest events for registered trees and invite Volunteer Harvesters out to each event to help pick & share the bounty.
Volunteer Harvester
Harvesters are key to Hidden Harvest operations as they are the engine that keeps us running.
The role of the harvester is to participate in harvest events during the harvest season by picking, sorting, and sharing fruit and nuts that would otherwise go to waste within the City of Ottawa. Once you’ve signed up, you’re on the list until removed. Fruit picked is always shared with the nearest community food agency, the volunteers who pick fruit, and the homeowner if they would like a portion. We are a charitable project that almost entirely volunteers run. This year we have one part-time staff supporting volunteer Neighbourhood Leaders and managing equipment and communications.
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Role of Harvester
The role of the harvester is to participate in harvest events during the harvest season saving fruit and nuts that would otherwise go to waste within the City of Ottawa.
Picking
Fruit is harvested fresh from the tree or vine. Nuts are harvested by picking them off the ground.
Sorting
Ensure fruit getting picked is in good shape
Sharing
Harvests are shared with a food agency, tree owner and volunteers
How to become a Volunteer Harvester
Step 1
Complete the online Volunteer Harvester form.
Step 2
Receive email invitations to harvest events in the wards you selected. Ensure they don’t end up in your junk mail by adding info@hiddenharvest.ca to your contacts.
Step 3
Once you receive an email about a harvest event you will be able to sign up as a harvester and start picking and sharing fruit!
Harvest Events
A “Harvest Event” is when a group of volunteers gather to pick fruit, nuts, or grapes which would otherwise go to waste. On average, five volunteers will spend two hours harvesting a tree or two. Each harvest event will be arranged and led by a Neighbourhood Leader (aka Lead Harvester).
On Event Day
1. Arrive on time
Lead Harvesters begin by explaining how the harvest will work. The harvesting equipment, safety procedures and any important specifics about the tree you are about to harvest will be introduced. You must arrive on time if you wish to receive a share of the harvest, out of respect for those who arrived on time and participated in the full harvest.
If you are unable to attend a harvest you have registered for, please release your spot (there will be a link in your registration confirmation email) at least 24 hours in advance. Harvest events often have a waiting list of volunteers who would like to participate – please be fair to those waiting by cancelling in time for us to offer a spot to someone else!
2. Pick away!
Fruit is harvested fresh from the tree or vine. Nuts are harvested by picking them off the ground. There are tasks for all ages, from holding the ladder to gathering up the windfall to sorting the bounty.
3. What to bring
Dress for the weather: the show goes on in light rain! Wear comfortable shoes. Bring one or two bags to take home your share of the harvest, and bring a few extra cloth bags you’re willing to donate, they will be used to deliver a portion of the food to the nearest food agency.
Our Harvest Timeline
More questions? Head over to our FAQ or Contact Us