Not Far From the Tree (NFFTT) is expanding in the east end of Toronto. If you know someone with a fruit (or nut) tree but with no time or energy to harvest it, you can spread the wealth through this network of volunteers, plus avoid that litter of fermenting, fallen fruit.

NFFTT operates in west-end neighbourhoods, too. So far in 2010, they’ve picked over 700 pounds of residential fruit across Toronto. In 2009, they almost tripled the amount picked in 2008, and expanded into nut-gathering and even began tapping maple trees for syrup.

Here’s info from the local coordinator Chris Sharp about a new Riverdale hub looking to develop a fruitful partnership with tree owners.

Not Far From The Tree is a non-profit organization that finds people with fruit trees in their yards and coordinates volunteers to pick them. The fruit is divided between the tree owner, the volunteer pickers, and a local agency such as a food bank or shelter.

We have an active Beaches/East York hub and have just started a Riverdale hub, of which I am the coordinator. I am currently engaged in efforts to find and contact fruit tree owners in the Riverdale area. It would be great if you could give us a mention.

For more information you can see our website www.notfarfromthetree.org or contact Chris directly by email (chris [at] notfarfromthetree [dot] org) or at 416-466-8056.

Sure thing, Chris. I wish we had a couple of fruit or nut trees to share, too. My guess is that NFFTT would also be interested in hearing from potential volunteers. It’s yard-sharing meets urban farming.