Turning Tides in West Sussex launches urgent Harvest Appeal for food donations

West Sussex homelessness charity Turning Tides has launched its annual Harvest Appeal, calling on residents, businesses, schools and community groups to donate food and essential items.

West Sussex homelessness charity Turning Tides has launched its annual Harvest Appeal, calling on residents, businesses, schools and community groups to donate food and essential items.

The charity says every donation will go directly towards supporting people experiencing homelessness across the county.

Food collected through the appeal will be used to provide hot breakfasts and food parcels for rough sleepers at Turning Tides’ community hubs in Worthing and Littlehampton.

Donations will also help feed people living in the charity’s supported accommodation projects across West Sussex.

Turning Tides supported 978 local people experiencing homelessness last year and says the appeal will help “swell the shelves” so it can continue providing food throughout the year.

Turning Tides Community Development Manager Amy Thorley said: “Harvest is traditionally a time of sharing and coming together and this year our Harvest Appeal is more vital than ever. We are seeing more people walk through our doors who never imagined they would need our help. Something as simple as a food donation can make the difference between going hungry or staying nourished and well. We know times are tough for all, just one tin or one pot noodle could make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

The charity says simple and easily prepared items can make the greatest difference to people facing homelessness.

Pot noodles and other meals which only require hot water are particularly useful for those who may have access only to a kettle while living in temporary accommodation.

Some local cafés also provide hot water free of charge, allowing rough sleepers to prepare a warm meal.

Tinned food with ring-pull lids is also needed because people sleeping rough may not have access to a tin opener.

Items such as beans, tuna and macaroni cheese can provide immediate nutrition and protein, with the type of packaging potentially determining whether someone is able to eat the food.

Turning Tides says people experiencing homelessness frequently suffer poor health because of malnutrition and limited access to regular meals.

Nationally, life expectancy among people experiencing homelessness is reported to be just 45 years for men and 43 years for women, almost half that of the wider population.

The charity says reliable access to food is important not only for survival, but also for rebuilding health, resilience and hope.

Donations can be dropped off at the Turning Tides Donation Hub or ordered through an online supermarket for delivery.

Supporters can also provide shopping vouchers or purchase items through the charity’s Amazon Wishlist.

People planning to deliver donations are being advised to check the hub’s opening times to ensure someone is available to receive them.

Turning Tides Donations Officer Moira Gardner added: “Every tin, packet and donation truly makes a difference. We need to swell the shelves to last us all year round. These donations are imperative to our services. This Harvest we are asking our community to stand with us, so we can continue to provide not just food, but dignity, compassion and hope.”

Further information about the appeal and the items most urgently needed is available through the Turning Tides website, visit: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/harvest

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