GreenO THE OSIDER MARCH / APRIL 2022
Do Good for the Community, Do Good for the Planet Ready to get started? Scan the QR code to access ProduceGood’s New Grower Registration Form, or email info@producegood.org for more information. ProduceGood staff will then contact you to schedule a time for volunteers to pick your produce, and transport it directly to a local food pantry or feeding organization. It’s that easy! If you aren’t sure when to schedule your pick, and are looking to maximize picking opportunities, checkout the Harvest Calendar on the following page. The City’s Green Oceanside team is dedicated to protecting our environment, preserving natural resources, and improving the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors through programs dedicated to watershed protection, energy and climate action, zero waste, and water conservation.
With Earth Month right around the corner, you may be asking yourself what you can do for the planet. Celebrating our Earth shouldn’t just happen once a year, and lucky for you, the Green Oceanside team makes it easy for Oceanside residents to do good for the community and the planet all year long. Since 2014, the City of Oceanside has been partnering with local nonprofit ProduceGood to “glean” excess fruits, vegetables, and even nuts from Oceanside farms, markets, and residential backyards. In simple terms, this partnership allows the City to feed people, not landfills. Produce picked goes directly to feeding agencies, food pantries, and local partners to feed those in need while ensuring delicious, fresh produce stays out of the landfill. It’s a win-win for everybody! What is gleaning? Gleaning is the practice of collecting surplus fresh produce that might otherwise go to waste. In Oceanside, gleaning has allowed the City and ProduceGood to: • • •
Divert 43 tons of produce from the landfill to feed those in need Provide 263,000 servings of fruit to Oceanside feeding programs Avoid 21.7 metric tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to 110 cars off the road each year
To learn more about Green Oceanside and to stay updated on upcoming events, virtual programming, and the latest information, please visit www.GreenOceanside.org
Fun Fact: A backyard citrus tree can provide 600-900 servings of fresh healthy fruit each year, much more than a typical family can eat! Contact ProduceGood to donate today.
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