Happy Harvesters is on a mission!

In the first quarter of this year, Happy Harvesters have shown up at over 30 residential homes to salvage fresh produce and donate it to local food banks in underserved, food-insecure communities. As of Tuesday, volunteers had already picked just under 7,800 lbs.

Tomorrow, Happy Harvesters will be picking oranges at the home of Maddie and Dennis Stephens who are generously offering the yield of their large orange tree to Food Finders, a non-profit organization in Los Alamitos that rescues food to reduce hunger.

Organizer, Kathy Faith, is on a mission to grow Happy Harvesters’ volunteer force and invites anyone to join or start a group in their own neighborhood. “This is a grassroots effort. We’re here to help anyone who’d like to get involved. It’s so rewarding and fun to serve the community in this way.”

Residential picking events happen twice per week at two houses each day. Faith is grateful for the help, “Last year it was me with one or two people helping periodically. This year I average four pickers per home.”

Happy Harvesters started in Fountain Valley, and last year Huntington Beach was added to the schedule. This year, volunteers have been added in Long Beach, Orange, and Glendale.

It’s easy to join Happy Harvesters’ volunteer force. Just check our Youtropolis Happy Harvesters events calendar, pick an event, and sign up!

If you’d like to learn more about how to start your own group, or if you have a fruit tree you’d like us to glean, please reach out to us by sending a private message.