As the holiday season transforms into a new year, citrus trees will blossom and create a need to glean their trees of excess fruit.
The Arizona Association of Food Banks is asking Valley residents to donate their excess citrus free of leaves and stems to area food banks.
Beginning Jan. 3, contact your nearest food bank for details about donating or helping to harvest this year’s citrus crop:
• United Food Bank, Mesa and East Valley: (480) 926-4897, ext. 256, www.unitedfoodbank.org.
• St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Phoenix and Flagstaff: (602) 343-5658, www.firstfoodbank.org.
While food banks always appreciate when individuals drop off their own citrus donations, some food banks may employ volunteer gleaning crews to come to your property to glean trees. Gleaning crews are typically limited in availability and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis after Tuesday. Priority is given to elderly and disabled property owners unable to pick their own trees. Some food banks may ask for a monetary donation to cover the costs of gleaning trees.
