ALDI CARTERTON

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.

1) advancing of christian faith [in accordance with the statement of beliefs] in parts of the uk or the world. 2) father's touch in uk and around the world are doing orphanages, church planting. 3) helping people in need ( food ,financial and counselling ) in united kingdom or the world as the trustees from time to time may think fit. 4) working in our local community to make it a great place. Fathers Touch is a registered charity and supports the community by running Carterton Community Food Bank. The Foodbank is run under Fathers Touch as one of the arms that does local work. Fathers Touch is working in Ukraine, Afghanistan, India with feeding program. Carterton Community Foodbank was founded in 2014 by Independent Councillor and former Carterton Mayor, Lynn Little with the assistance of Pastor Blesson Kallimel from the Victory Christian Fellowship. Many households in Carterton rely on us to assist them to feed their families with the food parcels we provide, but of course we are unable to do this without the kind support and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. We want to expand our reach to those in Carterton who really need our support now more than ever. Not only do we want to help more families in need with much needed food, but we have also set up a drop in coffee morning on the last Wednesday of each month. We are also home to the Carterton Community Lunch Club which takes place on the last Thursday of every month, starting in November 2021. The Lunch Club offers a two-course hot meal to our members. We will reach more people in need with these regular events; they are completely free and will provide vulnerable people with a guidepost to access valuable assistance, a supportive community and even simply a hot meal that they normally would not have had. From November, we started operating a Community Fridge on a Monday morning and the Carterton Community Foodbank operates seven days a week where possible. Vulnerable people are referred to us by Government agencies, local schools, and some self-referrals.