Help Us Harvest

For over a century, our family has cared for the land that is now Giant Orange Orchard in North San Jose. Since 1916, three generations have played steward to this property, which has seen a variety of agricultural uses over the past 109 years. Forty years ago, we planted 1,500 navel orange trees, and today, our harvest is a true family affair—from our eldest at 74 to our youngest harvester at just 5, each season brings us together in tradition and community.

2017 was the last time we harvested for commercial use. Since partnering with Village Harvest in 2018, we have donated 100% of our yield to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, nourishing tens of thousands of neighbors in need across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. In just six weeks this past spring, nearly 350 volunteers joined us to pick over 115,000 pounds of fruit, which reached soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and senior centers through Second Harvest’s network of more than 400 nonprofit partners. Our oranges travel less than 50 miles from orchard to table, embodying the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

This year, our harvest is at risk. A fruit fly infestation has led the California Department of Food and Agriculture to impose a quarantine on fruit movement in Santa Clara County. Without urgent, specialized treatment, we won’t be able to share our oranges with those who rely on them. I’m personally overseeing the treatment and handling the funds to ensure every dollar goes directly toward protecting our crop. With your support, we can continue this legacy of giving and keep fresh, nutritious oranges feeding thousands in our community.