Iskash*taa is an inter-generational group of refugees from Africa and Asia and Tucsonan volunteers harvesting approximately 75,000 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. How easy it is to help spread the word. Click here to download the flyer.
Iskash*taa redistributes food to the following organizations:
- Community Food Bank
- Gospel Rescue Mission
- Salvation Army
- Southside Presbyterian Soup Kitchen
- Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF)
- The Giving Tree
- Tucson Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)---Operation Deep Freeze
- TIARC
- Wellness Center, Catalina High School
- Noor Women’s Association
- And More....
Iskash*taa 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. Click here to view this video.
How it works:
- The Fruit Donor calls (520-440-0100) or emails Iskash*taa and provides information on tree/s, address, telephone number, and stipulations (locked gate, owner wants be home, dogs).
- Harvesting volunteer indicates how many refugees/volunteers they would like to accompany them (usually 1-4, more in the case of a van). Barbara or a volunteer calls the refugees and sets up a meeting time and place.
- Barbara or the Harvesting Coordinator calls the generous Fruit Donor to tell them the approximate time of harvest.
- Equipment is picked up outside Iskash*taa's office.
- Harvesters bring water, snacks, coats or sunscreen, if necessary.
Please email harvest@fruitmappers.org or call if you are interested in donating or harvesting lemons, tangerines, loquats, grapefruit, oranges, and more.