BUSINESSES and organisations around the Harlow area are being asked to dig deep to help their neighbours this month.

The Harvest season has traditionally seen schools, churches and other organisations collect items to pass onto the Foodbank. This year the Foodbank is giving out more food than ever, but less has been coming in.

The special appeal is asking anyone who can help to set up a small collection where they work or socialise in order to boost food reserves for the coming winter.

“Nobody can tell what is coming our way in the next 12 months,” declared CEO Andy Thornton “but after last week, our busiest non-Christmas week on record, we know that numbers are set to rise and rise. We are on track to give out parcels to at least 9,000 people this year, more than during Covid when people really rose to the challenge to support neighbours across the town.”

Like other Foodbanks across the country Harlow Foodbank has been buying food to supplement low stocks.

“We now have 4 vans at MRCT and over 100 volunteers a week. We are ready to pick up from anyone who can organise a collection. Our message is simple – please don’t just consider it, do it! However big or small, let’s get behind those who are art breaking point” Andy pleaded.

The Foodbank have produced a simple downloadable poster that supporters can use to publicise their collection in workplace, club house or wherever they socialise. It has space for users to add collection point details – helping to make things as easy as possible.

Collectors are encouraged to call 01279 724515 or email [email protected] to arrange pick ups.

Private donors are encouraged to drop in their Harvest offering at supermarkets around the town or set up a regular donation at https://localgiving.org/charity/mrct/.