People are being urged to donate produce

Doncaster Foodbank is calling on the community to support people facing hardship as need remains persistently high as harvest festival time approaches.

The local food bank is urging people in Doncaster to support their community this Harvest time, after the charity’s end of year stats report, published earlier this year, revealed that in the past six years, there’s been a 51% increase in the number of emergency food parcels needed by people in the UK, with 1 million emergency food parcels being distributed to children in 2025/26 alone.

Keith Rosson the Project Manager at Doncaster Foodbank says that any way local people can support – from volunteering to donations or raising awareness - will make a big difference for the people accessing the foodbank.

He said: “This Harvest season, we are reaching out to the local community of Doncaster to help support our work and provide essential food donations to people who have been assessed and are in urgent need of emergency food aid.

“For many of the people who receive our support, walking through the doors of the food bank is one of the few social interactions they will have that week.

“We have become increasingly aware that we are not just providing them with food but also the hope of a welcome and connection. We need the help of the community during Harvest to continue to address hunger in Doncaster and provide the warmth of hospitality to those who have nothing or no one else to lean on.”

Over the last year, food banks in the Trussell community have experienced record levels of need as more people struggle to afford the essentials and it is likely that this situation will only worsen this winter – so this Harvest is a particularly important time for local communities to support the foodbank.

Locals are urged to help in many ways including:

1. Donating non-perishable goods, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and long-life milk.

2. Financial contributions, which allow the charity to purchase essential items and maintain its operations efficiently.

Emma Revie, Chief Executive at Trussell says: “We know that many people turn to food banks as a last resort and feel embarrassed that they need to ask for help but food banks across the country are there to offer a warm welcome, provide essential items and help people access services that can lift them out of poverty.

“By coming together and supporting Doncaster Foodbank this Harvest and through to winter, you are not just offering a meal – you are extending a hand of friendship, combating isolation, and helping to provide an environment where everyone is valued.”