The St. Mary’s Food Bank in Arizona is currently accepting citrus donations until the end of April, as the weather is ideal for harvesting citrus fruits.

At both St. Mary’s locations in Phoenix (2831 N. 31st Avenue) and Surprise (13050 W. Elm Street), residents can bring in their fruit from orange, grapefruit, lemon, and other citrus trees between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Staff members will assist with unloading donations for anyone who needs help. Outside, bins will be labeled and placed for donation drop-off.

Citrus collection events will be held by the food bank on Feb. 3 and 10, at the Desert Garden United Church of Christ in Sun City and the Shepherd of the Hills in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix.

Donating is an effective method to ensure that food is not being wasted and reaches those who need it. Approximately 33% of the food distributed by St. Mary’s consists of fresh fruits and vegetables.

This effort also helps prevents roof rats and other animals from consuming fruits that have dropped near residential areas.