About the Project
The Portland Fruit Tree Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon.
Mission: Our mission is to increase equitable access to healthy food and strengthen communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown food resources.
History: Created in 2006 as the 'Neighborhood Fruit Tree Project', we began organizing in the Humboldt and King neighborhoods of North/Northeast Portland. Soon, people from all over the city started contacting us, wanting to to get involved in their own communities. In 2007, we changed the name to 'Portland Fruit Tree Project' and now include trees and volunteers from all over Portland. In 2008 the PFTP became an official 501c3 non-profit organization after merging with Sustainable Urban Neighborhoods. In 2009 we hired on an Executive Director as our first full-time staff person, with support from Meyer Memorial Trust. We just moved into a new site on Killingsworth street in June of 2009.
What we accomplished in 2009:
• In 30 harvesting parties, we were joined by 250+ volunteers, who helped us harvest fruit from 111 trees at 42 sites around the city.
• Together we harvested almost 15,000 pounds of fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste!
• Half of the fruit went home with volunteers, and half was distributed to people in need through local food pantries, reaching over 1500 familes in need.
• Held 2 Group Harvests in partnership with Impact NW, and Mt. Scott Alternative School.
• Held 8 hands-on workshops in tree pruning and food preservation with 80 total attendees.
Our Programs
Fruit Tree Registry
Need help harvesting your tree? Want to share your fruit with people in need? We can help! Our database & tree map includes hundreds of trees whose owners want to share the bounty!
Harvesting Parties
We bring neighbors together to pick fruit, enjoy fresh air, physical activity, and take home free produce! 50% of harvested fruit goes to local food banks.
Group Harvests
Working with community partners (social service agencies, etc) we coordinate harvesting parties for organized groups of low-income individuals.
Tree Care Workshops
Learn how to keep your tree healthy and productive! Our 'pruning parties' are hands-on opportunities to learn basic methods of tree pruning and care.
Tree Care Teams
Want to gain fruit tree skills and knowledge, while tending to trees in need of care? We are launching a new program in which you can learn through hands-on experience, while working with a small team to care for trees harvested by Portland Fruit Tree Project.
Fruit Preservation Workshops
Hands-on ’preservation parties’ teach the joy and safe practices of fruit preservation. Canning, drying, and freezing can make summer’s bounty last year-round!
New! Community Food Forest
The new orchard and garden at PFTP's site provides demonstration of home-scale organic food production, with an emphasis on fruit trees and other edible perennials. Food produced will go to neighbors in need through a local food bank, and will be used for food preservation classes.
< Click the program title for more info >
