Community Harvest Program in Surrey & White Rock: Sharing Food and Kindness
A local initiative is turning surplus backyard produce into hope for food-insecure families—one harvest at a time.
When Gardens Grow Goodness: A Community Movement Takes Root
In Surrey and White Rock, a quiet revolution is happening—right in people’s backyards. The Community Harvest Program, run by Sources Community Resources Society, is transforming surplus fruits and vegetables from home gardens into vital nourishment for neighbors in need. By bridging the gap between food abundance and food insecurity, the initiative is not only feeding people—it’s cultivating connection, dignity, and sustainability.
From Overripe to Life-Changing: How It Works
What started as a seasonal gleaning project has grown into a year-round lifeline. Local volunteers, often dubbed “urban harvesters,” visit homes to pick excess fruits and vegetables—think apples, plums, zucchinis, and tomatoes—that would otherwise go to waste. The rescued produce is then distributed through Sources Food Hubs, local pantries, and meal programs across the region.
Key highlights:
- Over 15,000 pounds of food collected annually
- Supports over 2,000 local families
- Engages more than 100 volunteers from diverse backgrounds
According to Carly Foster, Food Security Manager at Sources, “It’s more than food. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, reducing waste, and restoring dignity to those experiencing hardship.”
Tackling a Growing Hunger Crisis
Food insecurity in British Columbia is rising. According to BC Centre for Disease Control, 1 in 6 households in the province faces some level of food insecurity. In Surrey and White Rock, the problem is compounded by inflation, housing costs, and unstable employment.
And yet, as Foster points out, “Many residents are growing far more than they can eat.” The Community Harvest Program offers a simple yet powerful solution: turn excess into access.
In a city where fresh produce is often unaffordable for low-income families, these donations don’t just feed—they heal. “We see parents crying when they receive a bag of fresh-picked apples,” says Foster. “It’s emotional.”
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Rooted in Generosity, Growing Toward the Future
Beyond addressing hunger, the program is a catalyst for something deeper: social resilience. Volunteers often report how the experience shifts their understanding of privilege and community. Garden donors express joy at seeing their food go to good use. Even children get involved, learning firsthand about sustainability and empathy.
The long-term goal? Expand the model region-wide. Sources hopes to grow its partnerships with schools, faith groups, and community gardens, and introduce mobile produce pantries to reach underserved neighborhoods.
If you’re a homeowner with a backyard tree or garden, getting involved is simple. The program provides tools, coordination, and insurance—you just provide the produce.
A Harvest of Hope
The Community Harvest Program is more than just a food rescue initiative—it’s a local embodiment of kindness, practical action, and sustainability. In a time when global crises can feel overwhelming, this grassroots project reminds us that powerful change can start at home.
As one volunteer put it: “It’s amazing how one forgotten apple tree can feed an entire family.”
With every bucket of pears and bunch of kale, the Surrey and White Rock community is sowing seeds of compassion—and reaping a harvest of hope.
