Harvest Festival Appeal 2025
As we enter the season of Harvest, we’re inviting schools, churches, community groups and local businesses to stand with families across Derby who are struggling to put food on the table.
Child poverty in Derby remains a heartbreaking reality. Recent data shows that 38.3% of all children in Derby city are living in poverty, and the figure is rising. In Derby South, the picture is even starker, with 47.6% of children growing up in poverty. Too many families are forced to choose between heating their homes, paying bills and feeding their children. Your generosity makes a direct difference.
At Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance (DF4TA) we work alongside 17 partner organisations across the city, making sure donations reach the places they’re needed most. Your Harvest gifts help keep our partners stocked with essentials so they can provide vital, dignified support to children and families experiencing hardship.
How to get involved
- Run a Harvest collection at your school, church, workplace or community group.
- Use the free BanktheFood app to donate smarter: download the app, search for Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, and see our live “most-needed” list and nearby drop-off points.
- Prefer not to use the app? No problem - contact Debbie and we’ll share our current needs and help arrange drop-off or collection: info@df4ta.com or 01332 227718.
- Spread the word by sharing this appeal with friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Your support this Harvest provides immediate relief and shows families they’re not forgotten during a difficult time.
Together, we can help ensure no child in Derby goes hungry.
What We Need Most
For schools: free resources to get involved
Food Bank Fortnight is a brilliant opportunity to engage students in community action, compassion, and the modern-day relevance of Harvest Festival.
BanktheFood have created free, ready-to-use resources for teachers and schools.
A guide for School leaders and Teachers (287.19 KB)
Printable poster (1,305.31 KB)
Collection Campaign (for older students) (748.96 KB)
Further Activity ideas (652.49 KB)
Further learning/resources list (303.83 KB)
Editable parent campaign information letter (9.96 KB)
Photo/video permission form (295.39 KB)
Watch a short talking story that can be shown in class or assembly (for younger children).
Contact us to take part
Email info@df4ta.com | Debbie on 01332 227718
You can also join BanktheFood’s Food Bank Fortnight from 1–14 October. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, and BanktheFood has free resources to help your school, group or business get involved: www.bankthefood.com
