BanktheFood is bringing back the traditional Harvest Festival October 1-14 – not just as a celebration of the season but as a powerful community movement to fight hunger and help local families in crisis.
As food banks report increasing need and deepening hardship in the community, BanktheFood has launched a campaign calling on schools, faith groups and residents to bring back the harvest for Food Bank Fortnight – a modern revival of the age-old tradition of giving thanks through giving back.
From school assemblies and church collections to supermarket drop-offs and donation drives – Food Bank Fortnight, the revived Harvest Festival will focus on increasing food donations to the food bank during one of the toughest periods for vulnerable households.
To get involved, download the BanktheFood app, connect with your local food bank, host a Harvest collection at your school, workplace, or community group, and give what’s needed. The campaign encourages everyone to contribute what they can – whether that’s a bag of pasta, a crate of canned goods, or a few hours volunteering.
Naomi Kitchen from West Northumberland Foodbank said: “Food Bank Fortnight shines a light on the reality we’re seeing every day. Families and individuals simply cannot make ends meet. Right now, we’re spending around £5,000 a month to subsidise food donations just to keep up with demand. Every tin, every packet, every donation really does make a difference. It means we can keep the shelves stocked and ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”
Emma Spring, co-founder of the BanktheFood charity, added: “Together, we can make sure everyone has enough on their table this October and beyond. Our free BanktheFood app will connect you with your nearest food bank and provide a list of what they need most to help the community. It will even ping you a reminder as you go to the supermarket.”
To get involved visit www.bankthefood.com
