The following is a news release from South Plains Food Bank:
The South Plains Food Bank is seeking the community’s help in their 2,500 apple-tree orchard on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This family-friendly volunteer day will consist of “thinning” the apple trees to help the largest and healthiest fruit grow.
Jenifer Smith, Orchard Director, says although thinning the apple trees may seem counterproductive, it’s actually vital to the quality and quantity that is served to the families of the South Plains Food Bank.
“We were able to harvest 150,000 pounds of healthy apples last year to share, not only with our families, but with other surrounding food banks,” said Smith. “Without the thinning process, that number would not have been as high. The number of trees we have is impossible for our staff to do alone, so we really depend on volunteers to help us provide as much produce as possible.”
Founded in 1994 by Rotary District 5730, and developed under the guidance of noted pomologist, the late Dr. George Elle, the 15-acre orchard contains over 2,500 dwarf trees and produces eight different varieties of apples.
Those who choose to volunteer on Saturday morning are encouraged to bring sunscreen and bug spray for themselves and anyone in their group. Detailed instructions on how best to go about the thinning process will be given at the Orchard upon arrival.
To sign-up for Saturday’s event please contact either Jenifer Smith at (806) 763-3003 or email at fogdirector@spfb.org, or Berry Massey at (806) 763-3003 or volunteer@spfb.org
Those who cannot attend Saturday’s event but still would like to help in the Orchard are encouraged to volunteer any day, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
About the South Plains Food Bank
Food banking solves two problems … hunger and waste. The South Plains Food Bank, Inc. is a humanitarian resource responsible for securing, growing, processing, and distributing food to charitable organizations and persons in need. South Plains Food Bank, Inc. also strives to provide opportunities for persons to break out of the poverty cycle. The South Plains Food Bank is committed to alleviating hunger and giving hope to the hungry. We touch 1 in 8 people across the South Plains and serve over 57,000 people each year. The South Plains Food Bank also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve through our Kids Cafe program, Mobile Pantry program, and GRUB, Growing Recruits for Urban Business, program. Our vision is to see a hunger-free community. Visit www.spfb.org for more information or find us on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter.
(News release from the South Plains Food Bank)
