Transition Sarasota is Now Community Harvest SRQ!
In a strategic move to better reflect its mission and to facilitate broader community engagement, Transition Sarasota is rebranding as Community Harvest SRQ.
Community Harvest SRQ is a non-profit organization committed to reducing food waste, addressing food insecurity, and fostering a resilient local food economy across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Through its signature food-rescue initiatives, frequent educational events, and annual Eat Local Week, the organization continues to lead efforts to build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.
“We are committed to developing community-driven solutions for our local food system,” said Joyce Norris, executive director of Community Harvest SRQ. “Our decision to rebrand evolved from the desire to make that mission more readily identifiable and to engage even more community members in this important work.
Why Community Harvest SRQ?
The new name, Community Harvest SRQ, expresses the organization’s efforts to provide equitable access to healthy food, support the local community, and work toward a more sustainable future. “We seek to broaden our outreach in Sarasota and Manatee county communities,” said Norris. “A more easily recognized brand will help us do that.” The rebranding is a milestone for the organization, which was founded in 2010.
While its “doing business” name has changed, the organization will continue to do all of its valuable work in the community just as before. Community Harvest SRQ remains part of the world-wide Transition movement, a network of grassroots groups actively cultivating just, resilient, and regenerative communities at the local level. The organization’s legal name will remain as Transition Sarasota Inc.
What to Expect for the Future
With enhanced brand clarity, Community Harvest SRQ aims to expand its reach and services. It will continue to support local food recovery through three initiatives: The Suncoast Gleaning Project, Suncoast Fruit Rescue, and the new Farmers Market Produce Recovery program. It will also present the annual Eat Local Week celebration and offer educational events throughout the year. To learn more about these programs and how to get involved, visit
https://www.communityharvestsrq.org/get-involved.
The rebranding project and the new farmers market program both were made possible in part through support from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. “Everyone should have the opportunity to eat healthy food,” said Omar Guevara-Soto, strategic initiatives officer at Barancik Foundation and an expert on local food systems. “We are proud to partner with Community Harvest SRQ in its innovative, volunteer-powered work to create a more equitable and resilient food system for all.”
About Community Harvest SRQ (Transition Sarasota)
Community Harvest SRQ is dedicated to building a sustainable, just, and thriving local food system through “rescuing” excess fresh food that would normally have gone to waste, education, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers harvest excess produce from farms with The Suncoast Gleaning Program and harvest excess backyard fruit with Suncoast Fruit Rescue. Leftover farmers-market produce is collected with their new Farmers Market Produce Recovery Program. The rescued produce is provided directly to local food banks and food pantries. In all cases, fresh food that would have gone to waste rotting on a farm or in a landfill is instead put on the plates of local folks in need. It’s a win for everyone and for our environment!
Joyce Norris, Executive Director - Transition Sarasota