Sainsbury's Cowley

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

The Food Rescue Group in Oxford brings together an enthusiastic network of students, university staff, and community members who are committed to greener living and responsible consumption. Rooted in local action, the group reflects Oxford’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability and community care. As communities face increasing challenges from climate change, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance, tackling food waste has become more urgent than ever. Food waste represents a significant environmental and social issue, leading to unnecessary loss of resources, increased landfill use, and the release of methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Redirecting surplus food away from landfill not only reduces environmental harm but also ensures good food can support people across the city. The group works closely with local producers, retailers, and partners to ensure surplus food is used rather than discarded. These partnerships help businesses reduce waste and disposal costs while strengthening community resilience and delivering clear environmental benefits. Pickup and distribution in Oxford are coordinated by Saroj Saurya and Nafissa Sallah Baka, who manage volunteer scheduling, oversee collections, and ensure surplus food is shared promptly and safely within the community. Volunteers support these efforts by helping with collections and redistribution. All items are checked on collection, and anything unsuitable for consumption is disposed of responsibly. Surplus food and selected household goods are shared free of charge with students, university staff, and members of the wider Oxford community. This inclusive approach ensures a broad range of people benefit and fosters a strong sense of shared ownership and connection across neighbourhoods. Where possible, packaging is recycled or repurposed to minimise environmental impact. Through these efforts, thousands of items have been diverted from landfill, greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced, and meaningful connections have been built between people from different backgrounds. By continuing to rescue food and goods locally, the Food Rescue Group in Oxford shows that sustainability and solidarity go hand in hand. Every rescued loaf, every bag of vegetables, and every item given a second life represents a step towards a more resilient, caring, and environmentally responsible future for the city.

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.