BATON ROUGE — A local nonprofit is calling Baton Rouge citrus tree owners to donate the fruit from their trees. 

The organization Baton Rouge Green is organizing the event in partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 

Baton Rouge Green will harvest the fruit and transport it to the food bank so those in need can have fresh fruit ahead of the holiday season. The service is free and also aims to help reduce waste in the community. 

"We're grateful to Baton Rouge Green for organizing this effort and bringing together local residents to share the fruit from their trees with families in our community," President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Liz Pfifer, said. "Access to fresh fruit and vegetables is an important part in creating a more food-secure community, and initiatives like this help make nutritious food available while preventing food waste. We appreciate Baton Rouge Green and the participants who make this harvest and donation possible."

Registration is available online, and residents are encouraged to register by Nov. 30. 

Baton Rouge Green hopes to host a volunteer-led Pick Event on Saturday, December 5, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. However, if fewer than 10 homeowners register their trees, Baton Rouge Green arborists and apprentices will handle the harvesting and delivery themselves.

“We really need the public’s help in spreading the word about our Pick Event. If you know someone with mature citrus trees, please encourage them to sign up. Tell your neighbors and your co-workers. Word of mouth always seems to be the most effective way to bring in new tree owners to help grow the harvest,” Baton Rouge Green’s Director of Operations, Christopher Cooper, said.