The Beginning of OFRE (2009)

Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton (OFRE) was founded in 2009 with a simple yet powerful mission: to rescue fruit that would otherwise go to waste in the city. By connecting volunteers with homeowners who had surplus fruit trees, OFRE enabled these volunteers to pick the fruit and share it within the community. This initiative not only helped reduce food waste but also fostered a strong sense of community.

Growth and Community Impact (2010-2012)

As OFRE grew, so did its impact. By 2010, the organization had significantly increased the number of fruit rescues, establishing itself as a key player in Edmonton’s local food movement. In 2011, OFRE received a micro-grant that led to the creation of the “Apple Annihilator,” a pedal-powered apple crusher. This innovative device, designed by volunteers, highlighted OFRE’s commitment to sustainability and community-driven solutions. By 2012, OFRE was rescuing thousands of pounds of fruit, distributing it among volunteers, homeowners, and local food banks.

The McCauley School Micro-Orchard (2013)

A major milestone for OFRE was the design and installation of a micro-orchard at McCauley School in 2013. This orchard not only provided a space for growing fruit but also became a vibrant community gathering space. It symbolized OFRE’s mission to connect people through food and served as a permanent home for the organization. The micro-orchard became a focal point for community events and a living testament to OFRE’s vision of using local fruit to support the health and well-being of the community.

Continued Innovation and Recognition (2014-2023)

Over the next decade, OFRE continued to innovate and gain recognition for its efforts. The organization remained dedicated to its mission of rescuing fruit and reducing food waste. The McCauley School micro-orchard flourished, becoming a beloved part of the community and a symbol of OFRE’s ongoing commitment to local food security.

Transition to Food Preservation (2024)

In 2024, OFRE began a new chapter. After years of successfully coordinating fruit rescues, the organization transitioned its focus to educating the community on food preservation techniques. The torch of organizing fruit rescues was passed on to another organization, allowing OFRE to concentrate on offering workshops that teach essential skills like canning, fermentation, and cider pressing. This shift ensures that OFRE continues to play a vital role in supporting Edmonton’s food security, now by empowering individuals to preserve their harvests and reduce waste.

OFRE Website 2024

In August of 2024, we redesigned our website to be more in alignment with our new direction.  We’ve let some content go and re-organized a few things so please be patient with us as we progress forward. 

What you’ll most want to pay attention to is our events calendar, our workshops and becoming a member of our newsletter so you get notified about them all in a timely manner.