City’s Annual Citrus Collection Starts January 1

In a region abundant with citrus trees, it’s hard to fathom that many residents in the Coachella Valley are lacking key nutrients like Vitamin C in their diets because they cannot afford to purchase fresh fruit. But they can’t and there’s a very easy way for you to help.

For the sixth consecutive year, the City of Indian Wells is partnering with Hidden Harvest for its Citrus Rescue Program. This vital community-wide project provides fruit, free of charge, to more than 60 local food banks and agencies who, in turn, distribute the healthy food source to low-income individuals and families.

Simply pick the extra or unwanted citrus fruit (no tangerines) from your trees when the crop is nearly ripe and bring the fruit to the bins located in the parking lot outside the Emergency Operations Center next to City Hall. The City’s citrus collection program runs through April 30, 2012.

To learn more about Hidden Harvest, an innovative local nonprofit organization that salvages edible produce and gives farmworkers access to employment, visit www.hiddenharvest.org or call (760) 398-8183.