Salisbury Foodbank is making a fresh appeal to people from across the community to support their neighbours this Harvest time, following the charity’s ‘Hunger in the UK’ report that reveals one in four of those who access food banks are experiencing high levels of social isolation due to financial hardship.

Maria Stevenson at Salisbury Foodbank said that any way local people can support—from arranging donation drives to raising awareness—can make a big difference for people accessing the food bank.

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Maria said: “This Harvest season, we are reaching out to our local community to help support our work to break the burden of isolation on those in hardship so that no one feels alone in their journey.

“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 Salisbury and the surrounding areas and provide the warmth of hospitality to those who have nothing or no one else to lean on.”

Locals are urged to help in many ways including:

Donating non-perishable goods, such as canned goods and hygiene products.

  • Financial contributions, which allow the charity to purchase essential items and maintain its operations efficiently.  Cheques made payable to “Salisbury Foodbank”
  • Volunteering their time and skills, allowing them to directly engage with the people the foodbank serves, making connections and breaking down barriers of isolation.
  • Raising awareness about the Harvest campaign at church, on social media, within community groups, or among friends and family.

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, 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 Salisbury 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.”