Our city pulls together to help those in need of food

If the past few months have taught us anything, it is to adapt and make the most out of certain situations. As the coronavirus pandemic has wreacked havoc with many people’s lives – and the events they looked forward to the most – it is good to see the people of our city coming together once again, regardless of the circumstances.

Last week, Portsmouth’s Citywide Harvest – called With Thankful Hearts – was launched to help support people affected by the pandemic and families in need by collecting canned goods and dried foods which can be used at food banks and given to charities.

As footballer Marcus Rashford highlighted in the summer, this pandemic has had a negative impact on families who relied on other sources for food, such as free school meals. With that gone and limited contact to the outside world, it is devastating to think of families in our city going hungry.

Like Father Bob White said in his column in The News last week, harvest is a time to reflect on food and resources, as well as sharing it with those who are less fortunate.

Father Paul Armstead of St James’ Church, Milton, is holding their harvest festival this weekend and says there has been a great ‘communtiy spirit’ rallying around this campaign.

He says: ‘We are restricted with what we can do which is why we wanted to support and focus on the Citywide Harvest. I think from the start of the pandemic there has been a real sense of community spirit and pulling together to help one another and I hope that this continues with the harvest and in the future.’

The organisations involved include churches of all denominations in Portsmouth, the Roberts Centre, Portsmouth City Council, HIVE Portsmouth and The News. There is still a chance to donate your goods at various schools, churches and libraries across the city until October 4.