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Owen Cooper is serving in Portland, Oregon at Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP). PFTP is a grassroots non-profit organization that cares for and harvests fruit trees in the Portland area for donation to local culturally-specific food pantries. Its mission is “to increase equitable access to healthful food and strengthen communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown produce.” PFTP participates in the centuries-long history of gleaning, or harvesting un-picked produce that would otherwise go to waste to give to those in need. The organization hosts numerous backyard harvests throughout the season and donates thousands of pounds of fresh fruit to partner organizations, with a focus on donating to pantries which serve historically disadvantaged communities in Portland. In addition to harvesting fruit PFTP has founded five community orchards, organized workshops related to fruit tree care and fruit preservation, and works with local partners to plant fruit trees in parts of the city with low canopy coverage in order to build climate resilience.

As an avid gardener and volunteer in his community, Owen shares these values. After pursuing his passion for horticulture through working on an organic vegetable farm in Western Oregon, he moved back to his hometown of Portland where he works to increase food access through his membership in a cooperative garden, volunteering with local organizations, and undergoing certification to become a Master Gardener Volunteer through his state university’s extension program. 

Owen has three years of experience volunteering with PFTP and has appeared regularly at their fruit tree harvests, orchard work parties, and community workshops. He is now serving as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator VISTA with PFTP. The nonprofit seeks to expand its volunteer base in order to increase the amount of fruit that it donates to local food pantries. Owen will be present at many of PFTP’s work parties, tabling events, and more as he works to recruit new volunteers and retain those who join volunteer parties.