From Empty Lots to Full Plates: Launching The Forgotten Fruit Society
Here in Highlands County, we're surrounded by natural abundance. Yet, for too many of our neighbors, fresh, healthy food remains just out of reach. Highlands County's food insecurity rate is 15.6%, higher than 60% of the counties in the state. We want to do our part to bring peace of mind to families in need. Families often have to choose between paying bills and buying produce, a challenge that affects hardworking people right here in our community. I believe that together, we can build a practical, lasting solution. That’s why we are starting The Forgotten Fruit Society.
Our mission is simple: to grow and share fresh food with anyone who needs it. We envision a thriving community garden that supplies a welcoming, volunteer-run food pantry, turning unused space into a source of nourishment and connection.
Our Two-Step Plan for Success To do this right and build something that lasts, we need to start with a strong legal foundation. From there, we can break ground with confidence.
Step 1: Become an Official Nonprofit. Our first priority is raising the funds needed to incorporate The Forgotten Fruit Society and file for official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This step is critical for transparency, securing future grants, and earning the community's trust.
Step 2: Build the Garden & Pantry. Once our nonprofit status is secured, all additional funding will go directly into the ground and into building our pantry. We’ll purchase the essential materials to create a productive garden and a functional distribution center from day one.
Your Donation Builds Our Future We've created a straightforward budget to show exactly where your contribution will go.
Phase 1: Formation Costs, State Incorporation Filing Fees, IRS 501(c)(3) Application Fees (Form 1023)Attorney Fees to ensure correct and compliant filing Phase 2: Garden & Pantry Build-Out Land Preparation & Fencing Raised Garden Beds, Soil & Compost.Irrigation System & Water Access,Gardening Tools & Storage,Pantry Shelving & Cold Storage (Refrigerator)
See How You Can Help Us Grow Every donation makes a direct and meaningful impact on this foundational project. $50: Helps cover our state filing fees.$150: Contributes directly to our IRS nonprofit application.$250: Builds one complete, sturdy raised garden bed.$500+: Funds legal support to ensure we start on solid ground.
Recognition for Your Support
$1-$10 Seed: Your name listed on our digital Wall of Thanks and a handwritten thank-you card.
$20 Sprout: Receive a custom “Forgotten Fruit Society” sticker and your name included on our digital Wall of Thanks.
$100 Vine: Your name, or dedication featured on a community garden sign as a Vine Supporter and an invitation to an exclusive early volunteer day.
$250 Trellis: Sponsor a fruit tree or raised bed—your name, or dedication displayed on a permanent plaque on-site.
$500 Orchard: Become a Garden Founder—your name, or dedication prominently dedicated on a special Founder’s Garden Bed and featured in local press releases. Every donation helps strengthen our roots and grow a garden that gives back for years to come.
A Call for Gardeners and Community Partners
This is a hands-on project, and we need your skills! If you’re a local gardener, Master Gardener, or just someone who enjoys working with the earth, we want you on our team. We'll be hosting volunteer days for building, planting, and harvesting. We are also eager to partner with local schools, churches, and farms to create a true community-wide effort.
Built to Last
Our goal is sustainability. We’ll use on-site composting, rainwater capture, and smart crop rotation to ensure continuous harvests while keeping costs low. A dedicated volunteer schedule will keep the garden and pantry running smoothly all year long. Let’s stop talking about food insecurity and start solving it, right here in Highlands County. Please donate today to help us establish The Forgotten Fruit Society and build a future where everyone has access to fresh, healthy food. Thank you for your support.
Risks and challenges
Timeline is our biggest challenge, as we are hoping to get started during the next growing season.
