ALDI DIDCOT

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

We go out and collect good quality food that would end up in the bin we make food parcels up for vulnerable families or elderly that can’t make it to the Community fridge and then everything else we give away to the public. We’ve been running for five years now we support round 300 people a week we open up four times a week and especially with the summer holidays now families are finding it really really difficult we like to help where we can. This doesn’t just help people that can get the food the Volunteers that come and help get so much from this and some of them don’t get out of the village and it’s a good interaction. It gives them a purpose of something good to do we a very good community we do lots of fundraising for running costs and our Xmas Hampers which brings a lot of joy for everybody around two.

The Food Rescue Group, Abingdon, Didcot and Nuneham Courtenay was co-founded by Iman Satti and Ghazala Mirza, whose early contributions helped establish the group and shape its purpose within the local community. At its heart, the group is focused on tackling food waste, a major source of unnecessary resource loss and methane emissions from landfill. By rescuing surplus food and sharing it with individuals and families, the group reduces environmental impact while supporting people across Abingdon. The group works closely with local producers and retailers to ensure good food is used rather than discarded. These partnerships help businesses reduce waste and disposal costs, while creating positive environmental and social outcomes for the community. Pickup and distribution in Abingdon, Didcot and Nuneham Courtenay are coordinated by Madhvi Saini, Iman Satti, and Ghazala Mirza. Together, they manage volunteer scheduling, oversee collections, and ensure rescued food is delivered promptly, safely, and to where it is needed most. Their shared leadership helps keep operations efficient, inclusive, and closely aligned with the group’s values. The work is powered by volunteers from local universities, schools, and community groups, who collect and distribute food soon after pickup to maintain freshness and high safety standards. Any food that cannot be shared is disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental harm. Coordination takes place through a dedicated WhatsApp group, allowing volunteers to stay connected and respond quickly to collections. By diverting surplus food from landfill, the Food Rescue Group, Abingdon, Didcot and Nuneham Courtenay is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving valuable resources, and strengthening local connections. As the group continues to grow, it remains committed to building a more caring, sustainable, and inclusive community, one meal, one volunteer, and one neighbourhood at a time.