Backyard Bounty

Due to COVID-19 

We are unable to send volunteer gleaners out at this time. If you are able harvest to the fruit, we would be extremely grateful for the donation! 

How to do a DIY Glean:

  • Safety first – always wash your hands and put on gloves before picking. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, please do not pick.
  • Recruit friends or family to help harvest, but remember to practice social distancing!
  • No leaves please – cut fruit off with as little stem as possible. Leaves carry pests and should be removed from fruit before it’s donated.
  • Be picky – one bad apple can ruin the bunch. Please only include ripe, intact, whole fruit in your donation.

Drop off your fruit in bags or boxes at

4554 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara or 490 West Foster Road, Santa Maria 

M-F, 7am-3:30pm

The Backyard Bounty Program is a volunteer-powered gleaning program of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Gleaning means to gather leftover produce after a harvest. In our case, we glean produce from backyards, gardens, farms, and orchards in the Santa Barbara area. Since the program began in late 2007, Foodbank volunteers have gleaned over 1.2 million pounds of fresh produce, including includes oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, figs, avocados, persimmons, and guavas, that otherwise may have gone to waste. If you would like to let us know about a property eligible to be gleaned, please fill out this form. 

Donate Produce

 

If you have fewer than 5 fruit trees in your yard that you would like to donate and can harvest the fruit on your own, we would love to receive your donation. Simply pick the fruit when it’s ripe and bring it to one of our warehouses.  You can stop by the office to receive a tax receipt for your donation. If you are able to pick the fruit but need supplies or pick up, let us know and we can help!

Coordinate a Harvest

 

If you are unable to harvest your own fruit, we can help! Please note that during periods of high demand, Backyard Bounty may not be able to schedule a harvest, and priority will be given to properties with the most fruit. Please give us a call at (805) 729-8309 or e-mail us about your crop and location. E-mails should include your name, address, number of trees, type of crop and estimated time of ripeness. 

Volunteer

 

View upcoming gleaning opportunities in the Santa Barbara community with Backyard Bounty. Gleaning with Backyard Bounty is fun outdoor volunteer experience that helps reduce food waste in our community and let’s your learn about growing, harvesting and transporting local produce. Most events are family-friendly and a great way to spend time outside doing great work for your community! 
 

Click Here To See Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities with Backyard Bounty

Are you interested in volunteering as a part of a large group? Group volunteering with Backyard Bounty is a great way to help build workplace relationships, spent some valuable time outside the normal activities of your social group or even organize a family volunteering event. Click the button below to fill out the form and get a group event scheduled soon.

Click Here – Group Volunteer Form

For more information, please contact:
Call or email Backyard Bounty Coordinator 
backyardbounty@foodbanksbc.org 
(805) 403-8327

Drop off locations (7:00AM-4:00PM):
Santa Barbara: 4554 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Santa Maria: 490 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455

Share