Rotary First Harvest

Michel and Kevin at RFH Work Party

Rotary First Harvest (RFH) is a program of Rotary District 5030 and has been operating for over 25 years. Its primary mission is as a non-profit produce broker, connecting farmers, truckers and food banks to distribute millions of pounds of produce that would otherwise have gone to waste to food banks across Washington. This involves setting up arrangements with trucking companies to haul the donated produce from the farm and processing plants directly to the food distribution facilities and then packing that same food into boxes appropriate for use in local food banks.

Ruben Ladlad Packages Rice for the Food Banks

A major part of this mission is carried out on the second Saturday of every month. On that second Saturday, Rotarians from all Clubs in District 5030 are welcome to participate in work parties at the Northwest Harvest (NWH) warehouse, located in the Kent Valley.* Work parties at the NWH warehouse typically include up to 120 Rotarians, friends, families and guests. Work party tasks include repacking frozen vegetables from bulk containers into family-sized servings and repacking apples, pears and other fruits that are donated in 1,000 pound bins.

Time: Second Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to Noon (doughnut break at 10:15)

Place/directions:   Northwest Harvest Warehouse
   22220 68th Avenue S
   Kent, WA 98032

What to wear: The warehouse can be chilly, especially in the winter months. Plan to wear a few layers of clothes, since once the work begins, you’ll warm up quickly. Always wear comfortable shoes, but not sandals please.

*Work parties are also held at the Food Lifeline warehouse in North Seattle on the 4th Friday of most months in the year.