Each year, as citrus trees across the region reach their peak, many homeowners find themselves with an abundance of fruit they can’t use. Rather than letting these backyard harvests go to waste, dozens of Folsom and El Dorado Hills residents have stepped up to donate their excess produce to Twin Lakes Food Bank, helping to provide fresh, nutritious food for those in need.
Since Jan. 1, community members have contributed more than 1,200 pounds of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits to the food bank.
“An integral part of our mission is ensuring that each one of our neighbors has access to nutritious food,” said Lindsay Olson, Twin Lakes Food Bank’s guest engagement coordinator. “One of the most difficult parts of fulfilling that mission is having enough produce to offer our guests—until this month.”
Olson recalled a recent moment that underscored the impact of these donations. “Last week, as we offered grapefruit to 13-year-old guest Lucy, her face lit up as she realized that she could pick out as much of her favorite snack as she wanted. Later, as she and her mom filled a bag with oranges, they shared that they’d been thinking about making marmalade for weeks and could finally do so.”
In addition to collecting donations, food bank volunteers have been actively harvesting citrus from the homes of local seniors who want to contribute but are unable to pick the fruit themselves.
“I wish people could see the amount of food and produce that is wasted in the world daily,” said Michelle Kwek, the food bank’s garden coordinator. “Rescuing this produce before it goes bad is not just helping our planet—it’s actually feeding people. It’s hard to imagine that we can give away the hundreds of pounds of oranges and lemons that are coming in, but every day, guests fill their bags, and the produce tent is empty at the end of the day.”
While citrus season is currently in full swing, Twin Lakes Food Bank accepts local produce donations throughout the year. Those interested in donating can visit 327 Montrose Drive on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit twinlakesfoodbank.org.
