The Problem

Although food is sometimes wasted and left uneaten, ironically there are still people who have difficulty finding nutrition. We thought: How could we reduce waste while providing for those in need? 

We began to observe how food is wasted in Collier County, and we noticed a surplus of uneaten produce from local fruit trees and vegetable gardens, left in bags and boxes, at offices and schools. Even the fruit left in these containers would sometimes go unused and become rotten, and to us, this felt like an unacceptable waste. 

The Solution

It turns out that a backyard fruit tree usually produces more fruit than a household can use. We saw this as an opportunity to collect the excess produce and distribute to collection centers, where, the food can be eaten by those who struggle to obtain healthy food on their own. 

We've identified several ways that our community can participate in this program. For example, you can register your tree and we will send a team of volunteers to help collect the excess from your tree. Or, you can register to be a harvester. If you would like to help in another way, however, drop us a line! 

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide for the hungry while promoting sustainable use of resources. Our goal is to organize and coordinate backyard fruit harvesting and provide education on fruit tree care.

Productive Produce helps people share their fruit to reduce hunger, prevent food waste and make a difference in the community. We need your help to accomplish the goal. Our fruit collections are fun outdoor activities for individuals, families and groups.  

While it is possible for a homeowner with fruit trees to personally collect and deliver excess fruit directly to a distribution center, we provide assistance to senior citizens and others who are physically unable to pick their own fruit.  

Furthermore, Productive Produce aims to provide information to fruit tree owners to help with maintenance and care of trees. 

Productive Produce was started by high school students as part of the LaunchX Team powered by MIT, and is a registered nonprofit 501c3 volunteer organization in Collier County, Florida (corporation number N18000000390). 

Productive Produce is funded through donations and the sale of eco-friendly, reusable collection tote bags. 

01.
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Harvest Produce from Local Trees. 

Fruit and vegetable plants provide more than enough for one family. Make sure it goes to good use. 

Register your tree

02.
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Give to Those in Need. 

We distribute the produce to a family in need, or to an organization that can use it.

Apply for food

03.
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Provide Education. 

In exchange for your enrollment of a tree, we provide education to keep your trees healthy. 

Improve your trees

04.
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Promote and Grow. 

If you are interested in helping expand our mission, sign up to volunteer or join a collection team! 

Volunteer with us

Cameron

Co-Founder

In September of 2017 when the Category 4 Hurricane Irma hit Southwest Florida, Cameron was inspired to start Productive Produce to help re-distribute the fallen fruit from backyard trees and put it in the hands of those in need. Cameron is currently a sophomore in college studying Social Entrepreneurship and continues to support Productive Produce when not in school. As the co- founder of of this Non Profit, he has helped steer the direction of the organization along with his team and MIT LaunchX, which is an entrepreneur mentorship program.  Cameron has dedicated many volunteer hours to helping others.   In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports, going to the movies and spending time with his friends and family. 

Jordan

Co-Founder

As a Senior in high school and STEM Honors Scholar, Jordan is involved in many academic and extra curricular activities. He passionately leads his school’s Math team and loves talking about and teaching others his favorite subject. As a sophomore, he helped co-found Productive Produce in the wake of Hurricane Irma and focuses his free time on volunteer efforts in his community. He is currently the tech lead for Productive Produce and writes the blogs on fruit tree care. He is a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels and a volunteer at Full STEAM Ahead, helping students learn about science, technology, math, and music. In his spare time, he enjoys programming, solving complex math problems, and playing ping pong with his friends and family.

Yash

Yash is a freshman in college and is the Marketing Lead for Productive Produce. He was the Vice President of the LaunchX Team powered by MIT. In his free time, Yash practices tennis, and has participated in a variety of USTA Junior Tournaments. Whenever possible, Yash likes to volunteer his time coaching less-experienced players, and volunteering at Terracina Grand, a retirement community, where he plays piano for the residents and helps lead recreational activities. In his spare time, Yash enjoys playing tennis, water activities, and spending time with his friends and family.

Panos

Born in Ithaca, NY, to a family of professional musicians, Panos began playing cello and piano at the age of 9. Currently he is in the 12th grade and very involved in a number of artistic activities. Panos is co-principal of the cello section of Artis-Naples' Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and he frequently performs in chamber music concerts in diverse venues around town. An avid singer and actor, he has frequently performed with Opera Naples' Children's Choir in several of the company's opera productions.  He enjoys reading, traveling, bowling, tennis, skiing, computer games and playing with his younger brother, Alex and his dog, Max.