[Church of England] Nearly a thousand churches have listed online their services and suppers at www.aharvestnearyou.com – a new seasonal initiative launched this year by the Church of England.

From church services on farms and allotments to suppers in church halls and community centres, the tradition of harvest is alive and well and is being welcomed by communities across the country.  Details of the services also show that an increasing number of churches and schools are donating their non-perishable harvest goods to foodbanks. 

Many have supported the national British Food Fortnight, BFF – using the hashtag #HarvestFever - which encourages community organisations and schools to learn more about UK food and support British producers.   Nominations for the BFF harvest hero awards close this week on 8 October, with a national harvest service being held at Birmingham Cathedral on October 20.

In a CofE interview published this week, Canon Dr Jill Hopkinson, the Church of England’s National Rural officer said: "Having the opportunity to say thank you is really important. We have harvest services on farms, allotments and a traditional harvest supper can be a ceilidh, it could be a concert . There are a whole range of things that give people from the wider community the chance to join in what is a time of celebration."

Full interview with Jill Hopkinson here:
https://soundcloud.com/the-church-of-england/a-harvest-near-you