From seed to harvest: 18 months of Fruit Share Adelaide
What started as a simple idea to prevent good food from going to waste has grown into something extraordinary. In just 18 months, Fruit Share Adelaide has rescued and redistributed more than 24,000 kilograms of fresh produce across South Australia—turning potential waste into nourishment for those who need it most.
From backyard lemon trees to commercial farms facing crop loss, our 100% volunteer-driven charity has seen remarkable growth. After harvesting 11,600 kilograms in our first full year, we've already collected 12,600 kilograms in the first half of 2025 alone—a 109% increase that shows the momentum building behind community-driven food rescue.
Workshops, picks, and plans: A round-up of recent Fruit Share Adelaide activities
The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity for Fruit Share Adelaide, as we've expanded our reach across the city while staying true to our core mission of rescuing surplus fruit and supporting food relief organisations.
From participating in the Circular Impact Accelerator to collaborating with multiple Adelaide councils, we've been busy building the partnerships that will help scale our impact. Our recent harvest partnership with the City of Charles Sturt in West Hindmarsh is a perfect example – turning overlooked public fruit trees into valuable community resources, with all proceeds going to OzHarvest.
How fruit harvesting protects our planet: The environmental win-win
Did you know you can fight climate change right in your own backyard? Each year, Australians throw away 7.6 million tonnes of food, with surplus fruit rotting in landfills and releasing methane—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Since 2023, Fruit Share Adelaide has been rescuing overlooked backyard bounty, connecting volunteers with growers who have more fruit than they can use. Our impact speaks for itself: since January 2024, we've rescued over 20,000kg of fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste, avoiding thousands of kilograms of carbon emissions while nourishing Adelaide communities.
Fruit harvesting isn't just about reducing waste—it's about creating a sustainable food system that values local abundance and strengthens community connections, one backyard at a time.
Our Fruit Heroes: A Tribute to Volunteers across Adelaide
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate our Fruit Heroes—the dedicated volunteers who transform would-be waste into community nourishment across Adelaide. Since January 2024, over 100 volunteers have rescued more than 20,000kg of fruit from backyards and orchards, delivering fresh produce to those in need. As volunteer Isabella shares, "It was wonderful to help out, meet new people, and know that our efforts will continue to pay it forward." With citrus season approaching, we're preparing for our busiest time and invite you to join our growing community. Whether you can spare an hour or a day, there's a place for you in our mission to reduce food waste and strengthen community connections—one harvest at a time.
Making a Difference: Lefevre Community Kitchen Transforms Local Produce into Community Connection
From emergency food relief to a thriving community hub, the Lefevre Community Kitchen showcases how local partnerships make a real difference. This award-winning City of Port Adelaide Enfield initiative transforms Fruit Share Adelaide's donated produce into nutritious meals, preserves, and educational opportunities for their community. Serving 40-50 people weekly and offering cooking workshops, they're proving that food security programs can both feed people and build lasting community connections. 🍎🥘💚
From Seed to Success: Fruit Share Adelaide's Remarkable First Year
In its inaugural year, Fruit Share Adelaide has transformed from a grassroots initiative into a registered charity, rescuing over 11,650kg of surplus fruit from Adelaide's backyards and farms. With 291 registered volunteers and partnerships with 50 food relief organisations, we've helped reduce food waste while supporting those in need across our community. From humble beginnings in January to becoming an incorporated association in June and achieving charity status in October, 2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and impact. Join us as we reflect on our journey and share our vision for a more sustainable, connected Adelaide.