Williamsburg
“Orange is the New Black” actress Diane Guerrero joined forces with the do-gooders at the Fruit Tree Foundation to plant trees at a Williamsburg social services provider on May 16.
The event is part of Fruit Tree Foundation’s ongoing mission to plant 200,000 fruit trees by 2020, in an initiative that will strengthen communities, by providing tasty and nutritious fruit, according to tree planting’s host.
“We believe the planting, growth of the fruits and the education that accompanies the process can be used to empower residents to be more conscious of their environment and help them consider healthy lifestyles,” says Juan Ramos, Executive Director of Los Sures, a social services provide located on Hewes Street, where the trees were planted.
At the tree-planting effort, Guerrero spoke to locals about the importance of fruit in a good and healthy diet, claiming that advocating on behalf of apples and oranges is one of her top priorities.
“This cause is particularly close to my heart as I understand what it’s like to grow up in a community with little access to good nutrition and fresh fruits,” said Guerrero. “Not only will the community be able to enjoy vital nutrition at arm’s reach, fruit trees help sustain natural water resources, air pollutants are filtered so people can breathe easier, the soil quality improves, and communities can participate in everything from nutrition to farming together.”
Meanwhile, artist Ed Massey decorated Los Sures with an extravagant — and, naturally, very fruity — mural, which will serve locals as a reminder to eat their fruits and veggies.
Finally, the planting became host to a pop-up market serving fresh fruits, along with organic supplements and vitamins.
— Colin Mixson
