The Fruit Exchange is back for the third year

WE ARE looking to save more fruit (and veg and nuts) than ever this year.

A huge amount of fruit goes to waste every year in people’s gardens, allotments and in the countryside.

The Fruit Exchange connects people who have surplus fruit and other fresh produce with businesses which are willing to use it.

There is a list (and map) of businesses taking part on our website, and people who have fruit can get in contact with them.

Star Anise in Stroud use fruit in their cakes and fruit slices, Asparagasm in Nailsworth make smoothies and juices, and The Old Lodge in Minchinhampton make crumbles and pies all from fruit exchanged through this project.

We’ve had two years of success and this year are hoping that with the apple season almost upon us we will be able to get as many apples used up as possible!

As well as pears, quinces, plums and anything else going spare!

The Fruit Exchange relies on people caring about waste enough to do something about it.

We can all do our bit!

This year we are also recruiting volunteer ‘fruit wardens’ to help us save unwanted fruit.

This is the first time we have introduced this part of the project and hope that people in the community will rally round to help.

A fruit warden could be anyone who has a little spare time to volunteer to help us save fruit.

We need fruit wardens to help us:

– Distribute posters and flyers (provided by us).

– Communicate with local pubs, cafes, restaurants and juice bars about taking part.

– Keep an eye out for fruit which is going to waste and communicate with the householder about the project.

– Try to enroll volunteers to help where necessary.

– Help with harvesting and/or delivering fruit for those who physically can’t.

Our first fruit warden is Amanda who is covering the Leonard Stanley area.

With the busy apple season early this year we are already hearing from people who need help picking apples.

We currently have apples in Cainscross which need picking, plus various other locations.

For more information please see our website: downtoearthstroud.co.uk/the-fruit-exchange1/