Portsmouth Harvest appeal launched to help families in need after coronavirus outbreak

Each year harvest festivals in schools, churches and communities collect tinned goods and dried foods that can be given to food banks to share out.

After what has been a difficult year for many, organisations have joined forces today to launch Portsmouth’s Citywide Harvest to help those who have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and those who are in need of support.

Louise Wilders from HIVE Portsmouth, which has been supporting organisations throughout the pandemic, said: ‘We have seen people really come together in the pandemic and want to help others.

‘The use of food banks has increased and we are trying to support them where we can to make sure people get those basics that they need. During lockdown many struggled to get things from the supermarket but some people struggle to get their basics always.

‘This harvest event is a great way to carry on that community support in the city.

Schools, churches and libraries across the city will become donation points for tinned and canned goods, pasta, rice and other dried foods.

The items will then be distributed food banks and other charities who would normally be supported at Harvest festivals and surplus items will be stored centrally by the Hive to be given to organisations as need arises.

The organisations involved include churches of all denominations in Portsmouth, the Roberts Centre, Portsmouth City Council, HIVE Portsmouth, and The News.

Education councillor at Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Suzy Horton said: ‘Families were relying on food banks before Covid and after the pandemic more are now relying on them.

‘I think Covid has shown us how many take for granted the access of food at supermarkets and what it can be like not having that access.

‘Anyone who can afford to donate to the appeal should know that it is not just a gesture but a need for many families in Portsmouth and I am really optimistic that people will support it.’

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Father Bob White from St Mary’s Church added: ‘People in the city have really come together during this Covid-19 and we want to carry on that sense of community and support by doing a citywide harvest.

‘The reality is services need help to carry on supporting people and we hope a city effort will help them continue. It is about people doing a little bit which does a lot of good.’

Donations can be made until October 4 at the following places:

Cathedral Church of St John Cathedral Church of St Thomas All Saints, Portsea Church of the Ascension, North End Church of the Holy Spirit, Southsea Church of the Resurrection and St Andrew’s, Farlington Harbour Church at St Alban’s, Copnor Harbour Church at St George’s, Portsea Lifehouse, Albert Road NEBC North End Baptist Church Portsmouth Family Church Portsmouth Pathway at St Luke’s Salvation Army Lake Road – The Haven St Cuthbert’s, Copnor St Faith’s, Landport St Francis’, Hilsea St James’, Milton St Jude’s, Southsea St Luke’s, Somerstown St Margaret’s, Eastney St Mark’s, North End St Mary’s, Fratton (open 9 – Noon each day) St Michael and All Angels, Paulsgrove St Nicholas’, Copnor St Peter and Paul, Wymering St Philip’s, Cosham St Saviour’s, Stamshaw St Wilfrid’s, Buckland University Chaplaincy

Libraries (open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5pm)

Central Beddow Cosham North End Southsea

Schools

Arundel Court Primary Manor Infant Newbridge

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