Community Harvest SRQ is committed to developing community-driven solutions for our local food system. We aim to create food and economic security by supporting local sustainable sources in many ways. The Suncoast Gleaning Project coordinates volunteers to harvest excess produce from local farms. Through the Farmers Market Produce Recovery, we collect leftover produce and the Suncoast Fruit Rescue harvests abundant backyard fruit trees. We donate it all to the local food banks, pantries, and food kitchens. This reduces food waste at the preventive stage which helps the planet and puts fresh food on local plates. We also showcase the local food economy through Eat Local Week, an annual festival held each October that sparks dialogue and builds community through education and inspiration around food-related topics. It includes farm and garden tours, farm-to-fork dinners, workshops, educational programs, community discussions, and hands-on activities. Our Eat Local Guide is Greater Sarasota’s Eat Local resource directory. A one-stop community tool to find Southwest Florida producers, Farmers’ markets and farm stands, CSA programs, Grow-Your-Own supplies, and restaurants serving local food. We advocate for local growing, sourcing, and local economic benefit. We are building a sustainable and thriving community for now and for future generations