Community Fruit Rotorua in need of spare fruit

Citrus fruits are some of the produce Community Fruit Rotorua are in need of. Photo/Supplied

A local group which does not like to see fruit or vegetables go to waste when others could benefit from them is appealing for produce people have to spare.

Volunteer co-ordinator Sue White says Community Fruit Rotorua collects or picks fruit that people do not need, and then distributes it to many groups around the city which are supplying fruit to those who need it.

She says this is done on a completely voluntary basis and their aim is to make sure fruit does not go to waste in Rotorua.

Community Fruit Rotorua would love to hear from anyone who has fresh produce to share, especially lemons, limes, oranges and mandarins.

She encourages people to get behind the group because it helps people who do not have fruit trees in their own garden, and fresh fruit and vegetables are expensive.

"It encourages good eating habits with young people and is giving to families who wouldn't otherwise have access to it.

"I just see it as a way people can share something they have in the community without it costing them, or causing any discomfort or stress.

"People feel great when they realise they have something they can offer."

She says the groups the fruit get delivered to are always so thrilled to receive it.

Sue says the Community Fruit Rotorua have had a busy season picking feijoas and kiwifruit out at the Agrodome.

Sue says the group had a fabulous response to its request for volunteers, with many individuals and service groups such as Rotary North and the Manaakitanga Trust helping to pick the feijoas and kiwifruit.

The fruit was then distributed through the Western Heights Community Centre, Trinity Community Centre in Ngongotahā, Mokoia Community Centre and a number of daycare centres.

The group also gives supplies to the Māori Women's League who make preserves which they sell at the Sunday Farmer's Market to fund various community projects, Sue says.

For more information go to the Community Fruit Rotorua Facebook page. Email pickfruitrotorua@gmail.com or text/call (027) 460 3394 if you have fruit or vegetables to spare.