Spokane Edible Tree Project

April 7, 2023

By Carolyn Knowles, President – Spokane Edible Tree Project

We love and respect all the work being done at INLC and are so excited to share more about our local non-profit! Spokane Edible Tree Project (“SETP”) is Spokane’s only gleaning organization, since 2013. So, most importantly what does “gleaning” mean? Gleaning is the harvesting of any fruit and produce “leftover” after an initial commercial harvest or sale. This is high quality produce that would otherwise go to waste! Our non-profit works with residential and commercial fruit tree owners and farmers in the Spokane area. This includes orchards in Green Bluff, backyard fruit trees and farmers markets. We mobilize volunteers, harvest (glean) fruit and vegetables, and then through our distribution partner the Catholic Charities Food For All Program, distribute this food within 48 hours directly to those in need: low-income housing for families, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness as well as food banks and other non-profits throughout the Spokane area.

There are lots of ways you can get involved. Do you maintain a fruit tree but have more fruit than you can use? Register your tree and we can come harvest your fruit for you! Want to learn more about keeping your fruit trees healthy? Join us at one of our educational events during the off season listed below or peruse the SETP website for resources such as Fruit Tree Care.

Come join us this year at one of our upcoming Sip ‘n Learn educational events!

SETP Sip ‘n Learn: Spraying Fruit Trees

April 25th, Tuesday 6-8 pm @ Trailbreaker Cider

SETP Sip ‘n Learn: Habitat Development for Pollinators + Butterflies

May 30th, Tuesday 6-8 pm @ Trailbreaker Cider

Come Volunteer!

The gleaning season begins in late June with volunteer opportunities to glean early season crops of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. Yum!

One of the best ways you can get involved is to come out to a glean! Harvest some beautiful fruit by yourself and make new friends, bring your friends and family, or bring your coworkers. Ask us about corporate sponsor gleans! Hang out in a beautiful orchard and make a visible impact in your local community. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn about all our upcoming gleaning opportunities. Together, we can envision a thriving community where all people have access to fresh delicious fruit and vegetables!

Volunteer Application and link to Newsletter for gleaning opp. https://spokaneedibletreeproject.org/volunteer

Volunteer Kickoff Event

June 24th, Saturday 2-4 pm @ Big Barn Brewing in Green Bluff

Come out for your favorite fruit harvest!

Cherries: late June- August

Apricots: July- August

Plums: August- September

Peaches/ Nectarines: August- September

Pears: August- November

Apples: August- November