Fruit For All firmly takes root in Sudbury

One of 76 fruit and nut trees taking root in 16 community gardens in Greater Sudbury was planted May 22, marking the official start of the Fruit For All program.

Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault was joined by Ontario Trillium Foundation grant review team member Tina Montgomery and Trees Canada representative Tina McCaffrey in planting an apple tree in the community garden at Minnow Lake Place.

“The Fruit For All program will enhance the great work being done in the community by Eat Local Sudbury,” said Thibeault. “I am very pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation is able to support it. It's easy to get funding when you do great work.”

Thibeault said now he knows who to call when he has an excess of apples. Last year, he had two large paper bags full of apples, but didn't know where to take them. He is now signed up for the Fruit For All program.

Trillium provided a three-year, $145,000 grant to Eat Local Sudbury, which will be used for staffing, program costs and to support volunteers and landowners in their quest to build a sustainable food system for Greater Sudbury.

Tree Canada's Edible Trees program, which is sponsored by Loblaws, Silk and Telus, will fund the planting initiative.

Sign up to volunteer for the program or to arrange to have your fruit trees harvested at fruitforall.ca or call 705-521-6717 ext. 105.

Portions of the fruit will be donated to community food programs or to volunteers and donors.

Up to 25 per cent of the product might be kept by Fruit for All to help with funding once the three-year grant runs out.