Food Bank Fortnight revives Harvest Festival Giving

BanktheFood, a UK charity, is spearheading Food Bank Fortnight, a two-week campaign from 1 to 14 October. It is appealing for schools and community groups to take part in a modern twist on the Harvest Festival, using its free BanktheFood app to help stock the shelves of food banks across the country.

Food insecurity remains a critical issue, with 1 in 7 people facing hunger in the UK¹. The cost-of-living crisis has only exacerbated the problem, with food banks reporting a 69% increase in demand². BanktheFood's mission is to bridge the gap between those in need and the food available to help them, providing a simple, convenient way for people to give what is needed.

Emma Spring, founder of BanktheFood, said: "Harvest Festival is a time-honoured tradition of giving, but the need for support extends far beyond this period. Food Bank Fortnight is an awareness campaign, raising awareness of the alarmingly high number of people struggling to afford food in the UK and the simple way people can help. The BanktheFood app makes it even easier for people to make a real, tangible difference in their communities, right from their smartphones."

The free BanktheFood app allows users to search for their nearest food bank and view their most urgent needs, allowing their donations to make an immediate impact. BanktheFood is appealing to people, businesses, and community groups to rally behind the cause.

Emma added: "We know people want to help, but busy schedules and uncertainty about what food banks need can be barriers. BanktheFood takes the guesswork out of giving, empowering anyone to make an immediate, local impact."

To participate in Food Bank Fortnight, download the free BanktheFood app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit www.bankthefood.org BanktheFood school resources are available free on the website for all community groups to use.

ENDS

For media information, contact Stass Daniells, pressoffice@bankthefood.org Images are available from our photo library

Notes to editors

1 According to Trussell, 9.3 million people face hunger and hardship in the UK

2 Trussell reported that between April and September 2024, food banks distributed more than 1.4 million emergency food parcels, a69% increasecompared to the same period five years prior. This sustained demand is attributed to factors such as low household incomes, benefit delays, and rising living costs. https://www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-research/latest-stats/mid-year-stats