The Witney Food Revolution, recently named Witney’s Communication Organisation of the Year 2023, has been on a mission since they launched in November 2019. Their mission is twofold: to combat food surplus and hunger simultaneously. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of around 70 volunteers, who stock the Community Fridge and Larder, redistributing food surplus to the public free of charge. All still within their best before date and perfectly good to use, this food would have otherwise been considered waste and ended up in landfill without them making such great strides to ensure Witney becomes more sustainable.
We all know that climate change is affecting us all, wherever we live in the world. However, are you aware that an estimated one-third of the world’s food is wasted each year? In February 2024, the Witney Food Revolution redistributed approximately 14,000kg (14 tonnes) of food. With the amazing efforts of all of their volunteers, instead of the food going into landfill, they were able to share it with about 2,500 visitors who come along each week to their Fridge and Larder located at the rear of Witney High Street Methodist Church in Wesley Walk.
Food is collected from local businesses, markets and supermarkets, by teams of volunteers who live in and around Witney. It is brought into the Fridge where it is weighed, sorted, and distributed. You can then come along three times a week and see what you get for free.
The Community Fridge is open to everyone anyone can access items which are available. You do have to take ‘pot luck’ however as the volunteers do not know from one day to the next what items will be available. It is always a good idea however to see what you can get from Witney Food Revolution before you go off to one of the supermarkets around the town. You may be pleasantly surprised.
The opening times for the Fridge are:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 10am to 12pm.
So, how do you access not only food, but sometime bunches of flowers and pots of herbs?
Firstly, the Witney Food Revolution is not a food bank and you do not have to be in receipt of any type of benefits in order to be able to access the food. Everyone is welcome to come along, as the more people who are part of the Witney Food Revolution, the less food waste will go to landfill. Also, it is a great way to help feed you and your family for free or little cost if you are a member of the Community Larder.
The Community Larder is also available to anyone, but you do need to become a member. Oxfordshire’s Community Larders are organised by SOFEA through whom you register and pay a one off £10 joining fee, plus your weekly subscription of just £3.50 which will be taken from your bank account on a monthly basis. The individual membership entitles you to 10 items non-perishable items(plus as much fruit and veg as you think you will use without it going to waste). Over a year, you could save up to £1000 on your food bill alone which in the current economic situation, is a considerable saving. The Witney Larder currently distributes between a tonne and a tonne and a half of food to its members every week!
The weekly Larder is open on Wednesdays from 10am until 12pm. To join visit sofea.uk.com/purpose-projects/community-larder.
What is so great about being part of the Witney Food Revolution is that many of the customers have also become volunteers. There is a great atmosphere as people queue up waiting their turn to be served and regulars get to know each other and make friends along the way. The volunteers also provide pastoral care to those who may need it, helping people to access support agencies. It is rare in this day and age that you can go anywhere to do your shopping and be known by your name and have an opportunity to chat to people as you get the items you need.
The team of volunteers who manage the Witney Food Revolution work closely with local agencies, e.g. the baby bank, food bank, Citizens Advice Volunteer support and provide a community for volunteers to train to become fully skilled in their roles.
It is incredible to learn that in one year from the 1st April 2023 to the 31st March 2024, the Witney Larder and Fridge had 24,500 customers and gave out just under 110,000kg of food! . Not everyone goes along either because they live in food insecurity as many are people who want to do their bit for the planet!
For one member who is a regular user of the Community Larder, going along during the week brings her into contact with people, helps her do her bit for the environment and stocks her food cupboard and fridge in the process. This lady is not alone as many share her reasons for being part of the ‘food revolution,’
In order to develop what they are doing further the Witney Food Revolution has recently launched a Crowd Funding campaign that will receive match funding if they reach their goal. They aim to cover core costs, buy assets and train volunteers. Additional funding will enable them to purchase consumable items, new fridges and freezers, sturdy and safe tables for food display and storage, train more volunteers to cover Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and First Aid. Through their work they will be able to provide more support for those struggling with loneliness, isolation and mental health challenges and help to mentor young people who are volunteering with them, to develop life/work skills. Funding will also be able to purchase office and computer equipment to improve their administration and management systems.
The more people who come forward as volunteers and members and users of both the Larder and the Fridge, they will not only be reducing carbon emissions and helping people to reduce food poverty, but they will also be able to support supermarkets to meet the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals of halving food waste by 2030.
If having read this article you would like to get involved by volunteering, donating food, contributing to their community blog and helping to spread the word, either message them via their social media platforms or email the team at info@witneyfoodrevolution.com.
To find out more please visit witneyfoodrevolution.com | Facebook WitneyFoodRevolution |
