Chichester food charity is a 'lifeline' to struggling families across West Sussex

Dozens queued outside the chapel in Graylingwell on Friday afternoon to collect bags of delicious fresh food that otherwise would have gone to waste.

Sixteen community food hubs have been set up all around West Sussex by the charity UKHarvest, founded in Chichester, as a way to tackle food waste but also to help bring fresh food to people.

Customers have the chance to pay a suggested donation of £5 for roughly £25 worth of food.

Jana Koor is one Chichester resident who visits the Graylingwell community food hub each week. A single mother of three, rising food prices and bills have put a huge strain on family finances, and UK Harvest is providing a vital lifeline for her.

Speaking to this newspaper, Jana said: “I moved [to Chichester] about six months ago. It was a lifeline. I was always told that I live in an expensive area, then I came to Chichester and the rent was more expensive, the water was 20 or 30 pounds more, all the normal household bills went up two or three times and I never used to have to pay for [my son’s] nursery, but I have to pay now.

“I got involved before Christmas because I found myself in a situation where my rent was more that it used to be but my income was still the same.

“I don’t know anyone here, I’ve got not family here, I’m on my own, so coming to [the community food hub] and coming and talking to [manager] Nigel is really nice.”

Jana said she was running a similar charity before she moved to Chichester, and now finds herself on the receiving end of the kindness.

"I was supporting young carers and children with mental health issues,” she said, “I came over here, and had a completely different situation in the family.

"I’m one of the people that I used to help – I was really nervous to come in here. I was uncomfortable, but Nigel, he’s wonderful. He makes sure you’re at ease, he explains what it’s about. It has really helped.”

The community food hub not only helps to keep cupboards full, but can also be a way to enjoy a chat with a friendly face.

"I made quite a few friends,” Jana added, “It helps parents who struggle.”

It also keeps Jana’s kids busy when they chip in with the cooking.

"I come home and my two girls and Oscar ask ‘what are we doing?’ and we end up having family time where we all cook together. It sort of gives you another activity to do.”

Nigel Boshein, manager of the Graylingwell community food hub, described his role: “It really is a passion for me. I’m doing something really does make a difference and brings so much relief and joy to many many people."For me this is an amazing family fully of passion and people that just want to make a difference where they can and UKHarvest is that.”

The charity was founded in Chichester in 2016 by Yvonne Thomson.As well as Graylingwell, the charity runs food hubs in Midhurst, Tangmere, Selsey, Oving Portfield, Whyke, East Wittering, Parklands, Bognor Regis, Petworth, Haywards Heath, Crawley, Worthing and Storrington.

You can find out more about UKHarvest by visiting the website here: ukharvest.co.uk