Transition Sarasota is Now Community Harvest SRQ

March 20, 2024 – Sarasota

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.”