Every donation goes directly to people experiencing homelessness, including at our Turning Tides’ Community Hubs in Worthing and Littlehampton, where food is used to provide hot breakfasts and food parcels for rough sleepers, and to feed people at our supported accommodation projects across West Sussex. Last year alone, the charity supported 978 local people experiencing homelessness, this food appeal helps us 'swell the shelves' to feed hundreds of people across the year.

Community groups, businesses, schools and individuals are encouraged to get involved, every donation helps save lives. 

Turning Tides Community Development Manager, Amy Thorley, stated “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.”

For many people experiencing homelessness, it is the simplest items that make the greatest difference. Pot noodles and ‘just add hot water’ meals are essential for clients who may only have access to a kettle in temporary accommodation. Some local cafés kindly provide hot water free of charge, giving rough sleepers the chance to prepare a warm meal.

Equally, tinned foods with ring-pull lids are vital for those who do not have access to a tin opener. A can of beans, tuna, or macaroni cheese with a ring-pull can provide immediate nutrition and protein for someone sleeping rough, a small detail that can mean the difference between eating or going hungry.

People experiencing homelessness often face poor health as a result of malnutrition and limited access to food. Nationally, life expectancy for people who are homeless is just 45 years for men and 43 for women, nearly half that of the general population. Turning Tides stresses that reliable access to food is essential not just for survival, but also for rebuilding health, resilience and hope.

Donations can be dropped at Turning Tides’ Donation Hub, ordered via online food shops for delivery, sent as shopping vouchers, or purchased through the charity’s Amazon Wishlist. Please check opening times to ensure someone is there to take delivery. 

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.”

For more information and details on how and what to donate, visit: https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/harvest