Grow free: Portarlington Produce Tree still bears fruit for all

THE current pandemic may have brought the world to a standstill, but Mother Nature is still producing the goods – an abundance of homegrown produce for the Portarlington Produce Tree (PPT).
Co-founder Gabrielle Waller said a group of volunteers banded together in 2018 to from PPT, a place where people could share and collect excess homegrown produce, and while Stage 3 restrictions have forced a hiatus on weekly swaps, the table is still open.
“The Portarlington Produce Tree, Grow Free and Food Swaps Bellarine was started in the Summer of 2018 by a group of local volunteers to be used as a place to share excess homegrown produce,” Ms Waller said.
“I am lucky enough to rent a house with numerous fruit trees in my backyard. Each season I either picked the fruit and gave some away, or it would just drop and rot and, which I did not like to see as I try to minimise my waste.
“I only imagined that many were in my situation, and that much fresh food was being wasted. I also thought how wonderful it would be to bring like-minded people from the community together to share their home-grown produce, ideas and friendship.”
Ms Waller said she wanted to reiterate to members and the greater community, the table (situated at 28 Brown Street, Portarlington) is still operational.
“Anyone who grows their own food or wants to eat home-grown produce can be involved. Our client base is anyone and everyone. Whether you grow food and share, or just visit the tree to gather some goodies that have been given, all are welcome to participate in this project,” she said.
“The Produce Tree is open every day during daylight hours for anyone to drop off or take produce, herbs, plants and seeds. We are a part of the Grow Free movement and advocate that everyone can take what they need and give what they can, and no monetary value is placed on the goods. There is no need to leave something in order to take.”
Ms Waller said they were looking forward to the return of regular swaps held every Saturday, an opportunity for people to come together, form new friendships and meet like-minded people.
“These have temporarily stopped due to the current lock down and social distancing rules.
The swaps provide connection for people, and allow for locals to bring their homegrown produce, and items that are not able to be left at the Produce Tree at other times such as eggs, chutneys, jams, and home baking.
“The swaps are very social with 10 to 20 people at every swap coming from all over the Bellarine, and even holiday-makers from Melbourne, enjoying a morning tea while they chat.
“At Swaps there is an amazing buzz under the Tree. Visitors share their home-grown produce and homemade items, share their gardening and cooking tips, and also share their stories and friendships. We have so many people that use the swaps as an opportunity to connect with others, it’s their favourite outing for the week.”
The Portarlington Produce Tree is located at the rear of the Portarlington Neighbourhood House, 28 Brown Street, if you would like to find out more head to facebook.com/portproducetree.