ALDI CARTERTON

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 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.

Highworth Community Larder opened on 31 Jan 2023 to help avoid the growing problem of food waste & provide support to anyone needing it by redistributing surplus food which would otherwise go to landfill. As at 21 April 2026 we have redistributed 44.8 tonnes of surplus produce. We wanted to do something positive & helpful for our town and we are aware that there are many families needing support, who are just about managing and some who are really struggling, having to choose between heating or eating. We were enthusiastically supported in the planning stage by Highworth Town Council, Highworth Community Partnership Group, local churches inc. the Bridge project, the drop off point for Swindon Food Collective, several local associations, individuals & Westrop Primary School. They all feel that there is a real need for a Community Larder in Highworth especially in the current economic climate. Our free larder makes a big difference to the whole community of Highworth but particularly those who are struggling, & we have become part of a circular economy by receiving surplus food from local businesses & individuals thereby avoiding waste, extra car journeys etc. We have the enthusiastic support of the Headteacher at Westrop Primary school who allows us the use of a meeting room, fridge & storage space. The school is ideally situated near the centre of town, the doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, & Tesco Express, with plenty of parking & therefore attracts passers-by as well as school families. We advertise in Highworth Link, our local community Magazine & Facebook and Instagram. In December 2024 we were successful in becoming a CIO (Registered Charity Number 1211437). We are open every Tuesday for everyone free of charge & without referral. Depending on the donations we have received there is usually a limit of 5 items/person in common with other Community Larders, but this is flexible depending on the volume of donations and people's needs. We're partnered with Hubbub who run Community Fridge networks & follow all their guidance & procedures including weighing food in & out. We offer an accountable & transparent service, publish regular reviews & updates to demonstrate how much food has been saved from landfill/wastage & how the larder has helped people in Highworth. We believe we make a real difference in our town, both for the environment & in supporting families, individuals & our Larder is a well-received & positive project. We have a good network of volunteers and our registration with Neighbourly is essential for us as to allow local stores to donate to us. Thanks to the generosity of Highworth Town Council we opened a drop in café (in addition to the larder) once a month during the winter months where we offer a warm safe place, free hot drinks and nibbles, and where we can offer signposting & info about local advice & support groups, especially as most support services are in Swindon 6 miles away.