Lidl Witney

Food Rescue Group, Witney, Carterton, Chipping Norton & Wantage takes a practical, community-led approach to tackling food waste and promoting sustainable living across the town. At a time when climate change, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance are intensifying, this work is both urgent and essential. A central focus of the group’s mission is addressing food waste, a major issue that squanders valuable energy, water, and labour while contributing significantly to climate change through methane emissions from landfill. Globally, around one third of all food produced is wasted, and locally the environmental and social consequences are felt just as strongly. By rescuing surplus food, the group reduces harmful emissions while providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The group works in partnership with local producers, independent shops, and larger retailers to ensure surplus food is used for good rather than discarded. These collaborations are mutually beneficial. Businesses reduce disposal costs and their environmental footprint, while the community gains access to fresh, nutritious food. Pickup and distribution are coordinated by Edyta Karimi and Lucie Baker, who manage volunteer schedules, oversee collections, and ensure rescued food reaches those who can use it most, promptly and safely. The initiative is powered by dedicated volunteers, including students from nearby universities, local residents, and members of community groups. Volunteers are central to the group’s success, responding quickly to notifications and collecting surplus food within minutes of availability. This rapid turnaround ensures food remains fresh and safe, while removing the need for energy-intensive storage. Any food that cannot be redistributed is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental harm and prevent further waste. All coordination takes place through a dedicated WhatsApp group, which provides volunteers with real-time updates on collection schedules, locations, and available quantities. This system enables swift communication, efficient planning, and the most effective use of resources. The impact of the Food Rescue Group in Witney, Carterton, Chipping Norton & Wantage is both environmental and social. Every kilogram of food rescued avoids emissions that would otherwise result from landfill, while helping people access nutritious food. Beyond these outcomes, the initiative strengthens local networks, fosters shared responsibility, and builds community resilience in the face of environmental and economic challenges. As the group continues to refine its approach and expand its reach, it demonstrates that community-led action can deliver meaningful and measurable change.

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.

We have started a Day Centre for the Elderly at Ceewood Hall Witney OX28 5NN. It is greatly needed. It operates on a Thursday from 10 - 2.30. We start the day with a welcome tea and coffee then we do a seated exercise session followed by several small group sessions doing art/craft, scrabble, knitting, flower arranging, bowling and several more activities. Then we have a 2 course dinner followed by tea and coffee. In the afternoon we have an entertainer or in house activities. At 2.30 it is time to go home with a smile on all their faces from a lovely day out meeting up with friends. During lock down we started meals on wheels. We cook and deliver over 60 meals every Tuesday. Once a month we do soup lunches and cooking demos using surplus food and showing creative and economical ways to cook. We also do exercise sessions within community warm spaces and the wellness hub gym. This is always followed by refreshments and a chat. We have been recognized for our work by a visit from channel 5 and Jane McDonald filming. Then going to Manchester for her show and presented with a cruise. We have also been on ITV news showing our Day Centre. We have been to the Queens garden party. We have been Citizens of the year and Oxford Heros. We put weekly updates on our Witney Day Centre Facebook page and are on the County Council sites, Live Well, Dementia Oxfordshire, Age UK and Home instead. We work well with the local Councillors and they help us when they can to provide a good service to the community. Last of all we have a small community garden where we us surplus plants and soil to make Witney look bright and pretty.