Celebrating community partnership with harvest events

The Access to Food Partnership is encouraging residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to come together to celebrate harvest and also discover how to access and use surplus food.

There are over 15 planned events across the three towns including activities from social canteens and foraging walks to crumble-making and shared meals.

These events have been organised by the Access to Food Partnership, which includes BCP Council working together with more than 70 community-led projects.

These projects feed thousands of people across the BCP Council area through pantries, foodbanks, community fridges, shared meals, and local food growing initiatives.

The Access to Food Partnership helps to better support local residents so that everyone can get healthy food for themselves and their families, at any time.

Joining a harvest event offers more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect with others, enjoy nature, and boost your wellbeing.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships said: “With the cost of food forever rising, it’s important we look at ways to use the food around us sustainably and affordably.

“The events being held across our three towns will help encourage people to share surplus food; they also give residents an opportunity to learn about the fantastic organisations and communities that help support residents when they need to access emergency or affordable food.”

Planned harvest events coming up:

• Herb Tying and Drying Workshop at Redhill Park – Sunday 21 September
• Harvest Festival and Apple Day, The Secret Garden, Boscombe – Sunday 21 September
• Harvest Hearts and Apple Tarts at Henry Brown Community Centre Tuesday 23 September
• Ethical Kitchen Garden Launch and BBQ St Ambrose Church, Westbourne Sunday 28 September
• Dried Flower Garden Making at Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus Wednesday 1 October
• PramaLIFE lunch club at Salvation Army, Boscombe Friday 3 October
• Harvest themed social canteen at Bournemouth Food Bank, Boscombe Friday 3 October
• Food for thought workshop for parents at Bournemouth Food Bank, Boscombe Thursday 2 October
• Bring a Tin – Bournemouth Food Bank Tour, Boscombe Monday 6 October
• Free Pumpkin Soup at Salvation Army, Winton Monday 6 October 12 to 4pm
• Bring and Share Community Meal at the Secret Garden, Boscombe Sunday 19 October

More information on Scatter and Harvest events including recipes and appeals can be found here: https://padlet.com/accesstofood/scatter_and_harvest

Find out more about the Access to Food Partnership how to get involved: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/cost-of-living-help/access-to-food-partnership