Aberdeen Cyrenians is inviting businesses, schools, faith groups and community organisations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to organise a collection for its Harvest Appeal 2026, helping to stock essential supplies ahead of the colder months.
Last year, 44 Harvest collections across the city and shire provided more than £6,127 worth of food and other essentials for people who could not afford them. However, Aberdeen Cyrenians’ Harvest collections fell from 105 to 44, a drop of 58%, as higher household costs placed increasing pressure on public donations.
The wider local picture remains stark. Nearly one in eight Aberdeen residents, 12.8%, reported eating less than they felt they should because they lacked money or other resources, compared with 6.9% in 2019. Across Aberdeen city, 86 providers distributed 167 tonnes of food, equivalent to around 398,500 meals, during 2025/26, supporting more than 12,000 people.
Corporate partner Deloitte is helping to launch this year’s appeal through its ongoing Social Impact partnership with Aberdeen Cyrenians.
“At Deloitte, we are committed to creating positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Through our Social Impact partnership with Aberdeen Cyrenians, we are proud to support initiatives that help individuals and families facing financial hardship across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“The Harvest Appeal is a great example of organisations and communities coming together to support local people. Our colleagues in Aberdeen have been collecting donations and volunteering their time to help the campaign, demonstrating the collective impact that can be achieved when businesses work alongside community organisations.” Hazel Gray, Senior Partner, Deloitte
For Aberdeen Cyrenians, emergency food is not an end in itself. A food donation offers immediate, practical relief and a trusted first point of contact. From there, people can access wider support with finances, housing, health, employability and other pressures contributing to hardship. The aim is to help each person regain stability and reduce reliance on emergency food, while ensuring people are treated with dignity throughout.
“Food can be the first step through our door, but our work does not stop there. People visiting our food provision can choose the food and essentials that are right for them and their household. We also take time to understand what is creating pressure and, if they want it, connect them with practical support that can help build greater stability. Every Harvest donation helps us respond with dignity in a difficult moment, and creates an opportunity for longer-term change.” Donna Hutchison, Chief Executive Officer, Aberdeen Cyrenians
How to support the Harvest Appeal
Organisations can take part by setting up a workplace or community donation point and delivering their collection by the end of November. Aberdeen Cyrenians provides downloadable resources, posters and templates, and team volunteering opportunities are also available. The most-needed items are tinned meat, fish, vegetables, pulses and fruit; jars of pasta or curry sauce; instant meals; UHT milk; shower gel; and shampoo.
Find out more and download campaign resources: weareac.org.uk/harvest. To discuss taking part, email Emma.Bellu@weareac.org or call 0300 303 0903.