Lidl Oxford

Oxford Mutual Aid is a volunteer led organisation network. Formed in response to covid-19, our core focus is helping those who, for whatever reason, struggle to access help through existing agencies. We work with a range of charities, local government, and other community groups to get help to those who need it. Mutual Aid is about solidarity rather than charity - though we work alongside many wonderful charities. Many of our volunteers also receive aid through the organisation, and we work hard to reduce the stigma around asking for support. If we can safely offer people assistance, we do so, and without any means testing. We are currently supporting around 250 households per week. We also deliver around 700 reheatable meals to people who do not have access to cooking facilities, to food insecure families in and around oxford as well as to people who are homeless. We also provide support to existing organisations including Oxford Gatehouse, Oxford Community Action, Oxford Homeless Movement, Refugee Resource, African Families in the UK and others. We have also produced over 500 washable masks for key workers and care homes, as well as providing over 1500 meals to NHS workers.

Named Witney Community Organisation of the Year 2023, the Witney Food Revolution is a volunteer-powered Community Action Group founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food while minimising waste. Our mission is twofold: to combat food surplus and hunger simultaneously. For example, in January 2024 alone, our Community Fridge and Larder redistributed approximately 14,000kg (that's 14 tonnes!) of food. Without our efforts, this food would have gone to landfill, but instead, we were able to share it with about 2,000 visitors. Our Environmental Commitment: We're passionate about environmental stewardship. By intercepting surplus food from local businesses, markets, and farms, we mitigate waste and reduce the environmental footprint associated with food production and disposal. Through our efforts, we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet and educate our community on the value in protecting our environment for generations to come. Supporting Food Security: However, our impact goes beyond compost heaps and recycling bins. Recognising the pressing issue of food insecurity and poverty in our community, we've made it our mission to ensure that surplus food doesn't go to waste but instead reaches those in need. Through partnerships with supermarkets, national brands, food groups, food banks, and community centres, we channel this surplus to nourish individuals and families facing hunger and financial hardship during the current cost of living crisis and beyond. Community Collaboration: None of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Together, we form a tight-knit community committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of both people and the planet. Join us in our mission. Together, we can turn surplus into sustenance and transform our community, one meal at a time.

Food is supplied to us free by supermarkets and wholesalers and we redistribute to charities at no cost. This helps reduce food waste in the local area – one of our main aims The food is then distributed free of charge to other local charities who provide food for their clients This ensures that the food gets to the right people, and helps us to achieve our second aim of reducing food poverty It also helps these charities to provide much needed additional support in other areas by reducing their food costs Most of our operations are carried out by volunteers, helping us to provide around £10 of food for every £1 donated We believe that this is the most effective mode of operation and would happily provide advice for other new start-up food hubs wishing to follow our lead