When FruitShare launched in 2013, we donated all the fruit we harvested to the Barrie Food Bank. A that time, many residents were not aware that the Food Bank accepts and distributes fresh produce. As awareness of our program grew, farmers caught on. Thanks in part to FruitShare, the Food Bank starting receiving thousands of pounds of fresh produce from farmers. (The Food Bank has had a large walk-in fridge and freezer since 2011).
From time to time we get calls from residents with extra vegetables in their garden, and we encourage them to donate to an agency that could use it. These agencies share it with folks who have limited access to fresh food.
Now in our 5th season, we have expanded the list of agencies we donate to. If you have extra produce in your garden, you can drop it off at one of these locations. (This is not an comprehensive list, but where FruitShare has donated to in the past).
| Agency | Hours | Address/Contact |
| Barrie Food Bank | Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 to 3:30
Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 11:30am |
42 Anne Street South, Unit 2. Located off of Army Navy Air Force Drive, behind Pioneer Family Pools.
705-725-1818 |
| Women and Children’s Shelter | Anytime | Call for location
705-728-2544 |
| David Busby Street Centre | Mon-Fri 8 am – 4 pm | 88 Mulcaster St
705-739-6916 |
| Busby Outreach Van | 7 days a week 3:30 – 9:30 pm | 1-877-845-0840 |
| Salvation Army Bayside Mission | 24/7 (Always a staff member at back Maple St). | 16 Bayfield St
705-728-3737 |
| Redwood Park Communities | Call to arrange
705-309-1229 |
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| Barrie Native Friendship Centre | Business hours | 175 Bayfield St
705-721-7689 |
While food donations help to improve food access, we knew we had to do more to improve food security in Barrie. FruitShare has also planted two urban orchards, with a total of 64 fruit trees planted. We are also gearing up for another urban orchard planting this fall! It is exciting to know that Barrie residents will have access to fresh fruit in public spaces in a years to come.