Food Forward’s mission is to reconnect people with people — through food — by bringing together volunteers and neighbors to share in the gleaning and distributing of locally grown food from private homes and public spaces which is then distributed to local food pantries and organizations serving those in need.

Our Backyard Harvesting program is our core program, conducting 100% volunteer-powered picks at public and private properties throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as occasional harvest in Santa Barbara County. All harvested food is immediately donated to non-profit agencies serving members of our community that are considered food-insecure or hungry. Learn more about our Receiving Agencies.

"Food Forward is a great organization where you can immediately see the ‘fruits’ of your labor…such an important cause and so worthwhile in every way."-  Deborah, Volunteer