We shall celebrate Harvest Festival this year on Sunday 12th October, most fittingly after a week when we have thought about generosity.

This year we shall again be supporting Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, who not only hold a Foodbank in Banstead Community Centre but have also now opened a ‘Pantry’ in the High Street which helps people move towards self-support.

They tell us: “You will no doubt be aware that demand continues for our food bank and pantries. Many are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis and feel overwhelmed and hopeless about their situation. However, we believe that there is hope. With the right support, we know that people can increase their emotional and financial resilience.

“We also have a list of items we are in need of, which is below. Please ensure donations are well in date, do not contain any alcohol and are sealed. We cannot accept refrigerated or frozen items.”

Here’s the list of their most needed items:

1. UHT semi-skimmed or full fat milk

2. Powdered milk

3. Jars of cooking sauces

4. Tinned meat – meatballs, minced beef, stewing steak, etc.

5. Long-life juice

6. Long-life sponge puddings

7. Pasta sauce

8. Tinned fish

9. Tinned fruit

10. Tinned sweetcorn

11. Tinned vegetables

12. Rice/ Micro Rice

13. Pasta

14. Noodles

15. Tinned tomatoes

16. Baked beans

17. Instant mash

18. Cereal (not porridge)

19. Weetabix

20. Rice pudding

21. Custard

22. Instant coffee

23. Tea Bags

24. Biscuits

25. Jam / Honey / Marmalade

26. Ketchup / Brown sauce / Mayo

27. Peanut butter / Chocolate spread

28. Shampoo / Conditioner

29. Deodorant

30. Shower gel

31. Sanitary towels/Tampons

32. Chocolate/ sweet treats