# Nonprofit expands network of free community fruit orchards

- Topic: animals
- Source: [DailyGood](https://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=10874)
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Original: https://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=10874
- Language: en
- Image: https://www.dailygood.org/qp_images/small/10874-6ae2d0472ce25.jpg

## At a glance

- The Giving Grove initiative has expanded to 17 cities, managing more than 14,000 trees for public consumption.
- Kansas City maintains the largest network in the United States with nearly 4,600 fruit, nut, and berry trees.
- Founder Kevin Birzer provides technical expertise to help local groups select trees and improve soil quality.
- The nonprofit is currently negotiating potential expansions into New York City, San Francisco, and Minneapolis.

## Sources

- [DailyGood](https://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=10874)

## The story

The nonprofit organization Giving Grove has grown from a single Kansas City elementary school site into a national movement. The initiative now supports over 847 orchards containing 14,000 trees across 17 different cities. Kansas City currently leads the United States with 248 free orchards providing fruit, nuts, and berries to local residents.

Founder Kevin Birzer established the group to provide essential expertise in tree selection and cultivation to local communities. The organization assists local groups with soil improvement, pruning, and securing grant funding. Much of the operational budget is provided by 1% for the Planet, which directs corporate revenue toward environmental solutions.

Following successful expansions to cities like Seattle and Atlanta, the group is currently in discussions to launch programs in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York City.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=10874)