Fruit Forward Drive Program Update

 
 
 

Thank You for Nine Fruit-Filled Seasons!

After nearly a decade of community generosity, we’re retiring our annual Fruit Forward Drive and Community Cider.

We’re so proud of everything we accomplished together—rescuing fruit, diverting waste, crafting unique ciders, and raising more than $60,000 for local nonprofits!

While we won't be collecting backyard fruit anymore, we’re still all about celebrating and supporting our community. Check out our FAQ for ideas on where you can donate your fruit or even make your own cider!

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!

Past Beneficiaries:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • After nine incredible seasons of community support, we've made the difficult decision to retire our annual Fruit Forward Drive and the resulting Community Cider. This beloved tradition grew beyond anything we imagined—and with that growth came a level of complexity that made it increasingly challenging for our small team to manage while continuing to focus on our core mission: crafting the best cider experience for our community.

    We are so proud of what Fruit Forward accomplished over the years, including raising more than $60,000 for local nonprofits, reducing fruit waste, and creating cider made from the backyards of the Portland Metro area.

  • We encourage you to continue sharing your fruit bounty! Here are a few great options:

    • Urban Gleaners – A local nonprofit that collects fresh food for families experiencing food insecurity.

    • Portland Fruit Tree Project – Volunteers can come harvest your trees and haul the fruit, or you can self-harvest and donate the fruit. PFTP coordinates distribution to local hunger relief organizations.

    • Oregon Food Bank – Some locations accept fresh produce; check with your local branch.

    • Your local Buy Nothing Group or Nextdoor neighbors – Many local gardens or neighbors are thrilled to receive fruit donations.

    • Portland Cider’s own cidermaking class! Our founder, Jeff Parrish, is launching an intro to cidermaking class this fall! Stay tuned for registration details.

    • F.H. Steinbart Co., one of the oldest homebrew supply shops in the country, has all the equipment and supplies, plus some great books, to get you started.

    • Local and online university classes for the more serious cidermakers, there are college courses available that cover the process and industry in more depth. Check out Oregon State University first!

  • While the Fruit Forward Drive is ending, our commitment to community isn't! We continue to support local nonprofits with in-kind donations throughout the year, and are always looking for new local partners to craft with. Stay tuned for new ways we’ll be celebrating and supporting our Portland community.

  • We’d love for you to stay connected!