What begins the day as ripe citrus hanging in an orchard, at risk of spoiling by dusk, can end up on a family’s table the very next day thanks to Food Forward.
Founded in 2009, Food Forward is a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger and preventing foodwaste by recovering surplus produce from orchards, farms, farmers’ markets and backyard fruit trees. The organization distributes the produce free of charge through a network of hunger relief partners across Southern California and beyond.
Food Forward will host its annual Zest Fest community harvest on June 6 at a family-owned orchard in Somis. Volunteers will collect surplus citrus for donation, while simultaneously reducing food waste. The event is expected to draw 20 to 40 volunteers to one of Food Forward’s longest-standing fruit donor sites.
Participants will spend the morning harvesting fruit, connecting with fellow volunteers and enjoying locally roasted coffee. The event is open to volunteers ages 5 and older, with children younger than 16 required to attend with a parent or guardian.
As director of community programs for Food Forward, Samantha Teslik helps connect volunteers with the organization’s produce recovery efforts and community harvests throughout the region.
“Zest Fest is a hands-on way for volunteers to see how fresh fruit moves from a local orchard to families who need it,” Teslik told the Ventura County Reporter. “Together, we’ll roll up our sleeves and make sure this beautiful citrus does not go to waste.”
According to Food Forward, the nonprofit has recovered and distributed more than half a billion pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables since its founding. It estimates that each day it distributes enough produce to help meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables for more than 300,000 people.
“We invite people to bring the whole family out for a meaningful morning of impact and fun,” Teslik said. Food recovered during Zest Fest will be distributed to Ventura County nonprofits, including Ruben Castro Charities and Saticoy Food Hub. The produce will help increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for community members who may not otherwise have consistent access to healthy food.
Alejandro Castro, president of Moorpark-based Ruben Castro Charities, told the VCReporter that the harvest provides an important source of fresh produce for local families while strengthening partnerships that address food insecurity throughout the region.
“For Ruben Castro Charities, Food Forward is one of our most valuable partners that helps us feed a growing number of local families in need of access to fresh, nutritious food,” Castro said. “When people come to Zest Fest, they are not only picking fruit; they are giving hope to struggling families.”
Food Forward officials say events such as Zest Fest address two closely connected challenges: food waste and food insecurity. By mobilizing volunteers to harvest excess produce, the organization is able to redirect edible fruit that might otherwise go unused to individuals and families in need.
Registration for the June 6 event is available through Food Forward’s website. In addition to Zest Fest, Food Forward offers volunteer opportunities throughout Southern California, allowing community members to participate in produce recovery efforts year-round.
“Ruben Castro Charities would like to thank volunteers in advance for their support of our community,” Castro said. “They are truly making a difference in people’s lives.”
Zest Fest takes place on Saturday, June 6, 9-11 a.m. To volunteer, register online at community.foodforward.org/events/35835.