General Information

Agency: Iskash*taa Refugee Harvesting Network Program name: Fruit Mapping and Harvesting Project Description : Iskash*taa is an inter-generational group of refugees from Africa and Tucsonan volunteers harvesting over 30,000 lbs. of fruits and vegetables each year from backyards and local farms (Buckelew Farms, Native Seeds/SEARCH, and Andy’s and Brian’s Pumpkin Patch). These nutritious foods are then redistributed to refugee families from many countries and other Tucson organizations that assist families in need. Volunteers invite the community to donate excess fruit by handing out flyers in neighborhoods, and at events. Iskashitaa was recently featured in a short film entitled Good Food Arizona for the Kellogg Foundation for their annual Food Society Gathering 2008 in Chandler, AZ. Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday by Appointment Eligibility Requirements: Volunteers must have their own transportation. Please email me if you are available to harvest with or without refugees. We can harvest every week or several times a week. This is how it works: The Fruit Donor calls Iskash*taa and provides information on tree/s, address, stipulations (locked gate, owner wants be home or not, dogs), telephone, number, tree info (hgt. location within yard and amount and various kinds of fruit to be picked), etc. Equipment picked up outside Iskash*taa's office at 1406 E. Grant Rd. Bins, bags, and a picker or two for high fruit on tall trees. Harvesters bring water, snacks, coats or sunscreen if necessary. Harvesting volunteer indicates how many refugees/volunteers they would like to accompany them 1-4. Barbara or volunteer calls the refugees and sets up (as best possible time and meeting place usually an apt. complex). Barbara or volunteer calls the generous home owner to tell them of approximate time of harvest. Please email or call me and tell me the day/time if you are interested in harvesting lemons, tangerines, loquats, grapefruit, oranges, and more. Intake Procedure: Volunteer Application with references. Insurance Information: none Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese Fees: Not specified Primary Contact: Barbara Eiswerth, Coordinator, (520) 440-0100, (email) View all agency contacts Address: 1406 E. Grant Road, Bldg. 2 Tucson, AZ 85719 (See a map)

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