It's citrus season in Arizona and that means a mad dash to pick and use the bounty of fruit that's popping up in backyards, front yards, and on neighborhood trees.
But often -- even after we've baked and cooked and preserved our butts off -- we find ourselves with excess fruit. There are only so many citrus tree-less friends to pawn off pounds of oranges on but the good news is there's someone who really wants all that edible goodness.
See also: 5 Ways to Cook and Bake with Citrus
Starting today many of Arizona's food banks will be accepting citrus donations including grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tangelos, and more. Most food banks aren't able to pick the fruit for you and ask that your donations are free of leaves and stems.
The best way to make sure your donation will be accepted is to call your local food bank for more information:
- Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Tucson (520-449-8340) - Desert Mission Food Bank, North Phoenix (602-870-6062) - St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, Greater Phoenix & Scottsdale (602-343-5658) - United Food Bank, Mesa & East Valley* (480-926-4897) - Yuma Community Food Bank (928-343-1243)
* United Food Bank will not accept citrus donations until January 12.
On Saturday, January 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Mary's Food Bank will also host the 6th Annual Super Citrus Saturday. Citrus growers will be able to drop off donations at four Valley locations including North Phoenix Baptist Church, Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, St. Mary's Food Bank, Surprise Location, and McDowell Mountain Plaza.
To find a food bank near you visit the Association of Arizona Food Banks website.
