Food Bank Farm Orchard Network

The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank Farm has launched a new pilot initiative called the Food Bank Farm Orchard Network, a community-rooted project that aims to grow fresh, locally sourced produce for neighbors in need—right in our own backyards.

This innovative project invites local residents with larger properties to donate the use of a portion of their land—not money—to grow fruit trees and garden crops that will supply the Food Bank with healthy, sustainable food throughout the year. The pilot currently includes two local properties in Orangevale, each close to half an acre, and aims to demonstrate how neighborhoods can come together to support those facing food insecurity.

“Orangevale and Fair Oaks are uniquely equipped for this kind of project,” said Angela Lee, Director of Foundation Operations. “Many of our neighbors already grow fruit and vegetables, and just need a little support in harvesting or managing extra yield. This is about making the most of the natural abundance in our community to care for one another.”

Last season, volunteers picked more than 4,000 pounds of citrus from neighborhood trees, all of which was distributed through the Food Bank. Now, with the Orchard Network, the effort goes a step further—demonstrating how we can not only glean fruit, but also grow new sources of nourishment, through collaboration between landowners, volunteers, and the Food Bank Farm team.

This is a true pilot, meant to test what’s possible: ensuring partnerships with landowners are mutually respectful, that sites are safe for volunteers, and that local property can indeed be part of a long-term solution to increase access to fresh food.

The Food Bank Farm currently receives much of its produce through grocery store donations, often nearing expiration or in imperfect condition. The Orchard Network is a chance to complement those donations with perfectly ripe, locally grown fruits and vegetables—grown with purpose for our neighbors who need it most.

The vision is clear: if this model works, the Food Bank Farm Orchard Network could expand to include more local sites and more volunteers, creating a truly sustainable, community-powered food system.

Learn more about the Food Bank Farm at foodbank.farm and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.