Food Bank Fortnight
Food Bank Fortnight is a fresh take on a classic tradition — a two-week celebration of giving where communities come together to support local food banks. Just like the Harvest Festivals of the past, it’s about sharing what we have to help others — but with a modern, meaningful difference.
Give What’s Needed, When It’s Needed
Food banks often receive too much of one item and not enough of another. That’s where BanktheFood steps in. By using our app, you’ll get real-time alerts from your local food bank, so you can donate exactly what they’re short of. Whether you're popping into the supermarket or clearing out your cupboards, you can give smarter and make a real difference.
Food Bank Fortnight is the perfect time to get involved. Rally your neighbours, your workplace, or your local community group — and show that we’re stronger when we give together.
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.
We have created free, ready-to-use resources for teachers and schools, including:
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A short talking story that can be shown in class or assembly (for younger children)
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Collection Campaign (for older students)
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Further Activity ideas
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Printable poster
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Editable parent campaign information letter
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Resources list
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Photo/video permission form
It’s simple to take part — and a great way to empower young people to understand food poverty and take action. The campaign also plays an important role in gently signposting where families can go if they are in need. Whether you collect food donations, run a themed week, or get pupils involved with the app, every effort helps.
How to take part
Download the BanktheFood App
Connect with your nearest food bank and get instant updates on what they need most
Collect Smart Donations
Use our free schools pack to talk to your students about food banks.
Choose items that are in short supply — every tin, packet or box counts.
Spread the Word
Encourage others to join in.
Share your donations online using #FoodBankFortnight
Deliver to Your Local Food Bank
Together, we can fill the shelves with the right supplies.
For food banks : free resources to get involved
Food Bank Fortnight is a brilliant opportunity to engage local people in community action, compassion, and the modern-day relevance of Harvest Festival
We’ve created a full support pack to make taking part easy and effective.
It includes:
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Template press release
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Template letter for local schools
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Template invitation for your MP
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Social media assets – images, sample posts & logos
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Printable poster
What do you need to do?
Display the poster in your food bank and around your community and use the free templates to contact local schools, MPs, and media outlets
Encourage supporters to download the BanktheFood app and follow your food bank by sharing updates on social media – stories, photos, events using the tag #FoodBankFortnight
Notify local media using the press release template
Food Bank Fortnight aims to increase donations of the right items with no more guesswork and boost the visibility of emergency food providers.
With 1 in 7 people in the UK now facing hunger, and food banks reporting a 69% rise in demand, this campaign is a timely and powerful opportunity to drive real impact.
Meet the young people who have already inspired change
Across the UK, young people are showing that age is no barrier to making a difference. With compassion and creativity, they are stepping up to champion projects that tackle food poverty and bring communities together.
Isaac: How an act of kindness grew into a vital community lifeline
When most 9-year-olds were busy playing, Isaac Winfield from Redditch was starting a food bank. Moved by the thought of people in his community going without food, he set up a small table in his garden called Friends of Isaac.
What began with a few tins soon grew into a town-wide effort. Neighbours, local shops, and volunteers rallied around, and the project expanded into multiple pantries, food parcels, and collection drives.
Isaac’s mission is simple: “I just want to make people smile and make sure no one goes hungry.”
Now approaching 14, Friends of Isaac has grown to run six pantries, with a seventh on the way. It supports hundreds of families and inspires others to take action in their own communities.
Frankie: The Year 6 Pupil who launched a School Food Bank to Support Local Families
In 2023, an 11-year-old pupil at Monkton C of E Primary set up a food bank to support people in the village who were struggling with rising living costs.
Inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign to ensure children and families had access to food during the pandemic, Frankie wanted to do something practical for his own community. With encouragement from the school, he created a food bank that encouraged families to donate.
Frankie said: “I wanted to start the food bank to make things a little easier for people who are struggling. If each family brings in a tin or two now and again, it soon adds up. We give food at harvest time, so why not all year round?”
Frankie’s Food Bank was open for donations during school drop-off and pick-up times. Items were then passed on every two weeks to a larger, established food bank, ensuring support reaches families who need it most.
The initiative reflected the school’s values of compassion, courage and justice, and staff have praised Frankie for his determination to help others.
Travis: A Young Changemaker Transforming His Community with Compassion
At just 11 years old, Travis Robinson from Bradford launched an inspiring initiative to help his community. After a moving encounter with a person experiencing homelessness, Travis decided to act—selling all his toys to raise funds for a new food bank.
His passion quickly turned into action, and in a matter of weeks, Travis had organised and distributed hundreds of food items across Bradford, setting up what he calls Big Trav’s Foodbank. Thanks to his efforts, the project now serves around 200 people each month, offering vital support to families and individuals in need.
In January, Travis was named the youngest-ever Changemaker by The Big Issue in their 2025 “Food & Nutrition” campaign.
Whether collecting tins at school, setting up local food banks, or rallying support from neighbours, young people are proving that grassroots action can have a powerful impact.
Their efforts not only help families in need but also earn recognition that shines a spotlight on what’s possible when young people take the lead. These stories remind us all that change often begins with a simple act of kindness and that anyone, no matter their age, has the power to inspire hope and create lasting change in their community.
Teacher Tommy T supports Food Bank Fortnight
Teacher Tommy T, educator-turned-creator, has joined BanktheFood in encouraging communities to take part in Food Bank Fortnight:
“No one in our community should have to go hungry. Food Bank Fortnight is a powerful way for us to come together, support one another, and make a real difference. Even a small donation can mean the world to a family in need.”