Oregonians from all walks of life are dramatically affected by the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are all responsible for curbing its spread. What is all too clear is that the impact of emergency measures will be hardest on those who are most vulnerable: low-income families, single parent households, and marginalized communities.

The fruit tree harvest season is still a couple of months, but Portland Fruit Tree Project is already developing contingency plans to ensure that we can continue to share the harvest and build community resilience at this critical moment. 

As of now, we still intend to engage volunteers with harvesting although with increased sanitation protocols and social distancing . Most orchards are also keeping their work party schedules and practicing social distancing. Nature doesn’t stop, and neither will we!

Please continue to stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands often, offer support to others, and do your part to limit the spread of the virus.

For more information, read more from the World Heath Organization.