GAIL's Bakery Summertown

Looprun is a response division and part of an independent social enterprise called Glass Mill Social Enterprise C.I.C. This is more than food and is part of a platform called RSBA1 (Response, Sustain, Build, Achieve). A free supportive services platform to help people get back on their feet. With up to 94% success rate and seeing once those receiving free Looprun response bags to returning to stores as shoppers with baskets full. These are the happy stories created when all come together to do good for good. Service users are signposted to Looprun mostly from referrals including professionals in social and healthcare. Looprun provides free non perishables, perishable food, toiletries, and clothing to people facing a challenge. Whatever you can do is turned into a grateful donation to a neighbour in need. As everything given and everybody counts. No food is banked providing a direct in and out service. We believe if the food is stored then a person in need is not getting any food, hence we provide an instant response and instant impact service. Looprun food donations can include fresh fruit, vegetables, bakery items and non perishables. Looprun has access to professional volunteers who carry out a confidential support service to people in need. From homeless shelters, hostels, sheltered housing, care homes and schools. This is a non voucher, free and confidential service. This means Looprun can reach more people in need with your food donations. Therefore we need your help to ensure we can supply the demand in this crisis. Anyone that receives a Looprun bag of essential food items is sustained thus creating a loop cycle. We, therefore, are a platform for a voice to be heard in the community and share life changing stories. It would be great to have more partners become part of these stories in your local community. Looprun has also expanded into providing toiletries and brand new items of clothing. For further information and gallery access on the impact of Looprun please visit: Website: www.loopruninstore.org

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.

Syrian Community Oxfordshire (SYRCOX) supports refugees, low-income families, and vulnerable individuals through food aid, community meals, and educational workshops. We tackle food insecurity, reduce isolation, and promote social inclusion in Oxfordshire. Our Core Activities: Food Parcel Program – We distribute weekly food parcels to families and individuals in need, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food. Community Meals – We host regular community meals that bring people together, fostering social connections and reducing isolation. Educational Workshops – We provide cooking, budgeting, and healthy eating workshops to empower individuals with skills to improve their well-being and financial stability. Men’s Health & Well-being Sessions – We run physical activity sessions to promote mental and physical health, particularly for refugee and migrant men. Cultural & Youth Programs – We support young people through educational and social activities that promote cultural awareness, inclusion, and skill-building. Our Impact: We serve hundreds of individuals and families each year, providing them with essential food supplies, emotional support, and opportunities to build social connections. By working closely with local partners, businesses, and volunteers, we ensure that our services reach those most in need. Our work has been recognized through community awards, highlighting our dedication to improving lives in Oxfordshire. Why SYRCOX Matters: Many of the people we support are facing financial hardship, food insecurity, language barriers, and social isolation. Our services provide a safety net, helping individuals and families gain stability, access nutritious meals, and feel part of a supportive community.