Richmondite Gail Townsley said her heart was filled with joy after donating 139 pounds of plums to the Richmond Food Bank last week.
This gesture was made possible through the Richmond Fruit Recovery Program, which coordinates volunteers to collect unused fruit from residential fruit trees and bushes. All produce is split between the owner, the volunteers and the Richmond Food Bank.
“Volunteers came, picked up the fruit, loaded it up and measured how much fruit they collected and drove directly to the food bank. And the food bank is able to distribute it to people in need,” said Townsley, adding that safety measures have been put in place by volunteers to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Townsley said the plum tree has been around for 10 years or so. She used a bunch of plums to make jam and cake, but there is no way she can use all the plums herself. Instead of watching the fruit going to the waste, she decided to give to the community.
Currently, not only is Townsley feeling good about sharing, but her children who also help pick the fruit enjoyed helping others as well, said Townsley.
Although it was the first time Townsley participated in the initiative, it won’t be the last. She will invite volunteers to harvest apples again this coming October when her apple tree is ready to be picked.
