B&Q Oxford

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.

Style Acre enhances the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism. Each and every person we support is valued and helped to lead a meaningful life and realise their potential. We support 275 adults with learning disabilities and associated disabilities including autism, sensory impairment and mental health problems. We provide support to enable people to live in their own homes and also provide a day opportunities service and volunteering project to support people to access leisure, education and work.