Joining forces with Oxford Together to provide charity food parcels
Volunteers have begun delivering dozens of free meals to vulnerable Oxford residents.
We have joined forces (alongside SOFEA, Oxford Food Bank, Cuckoo Lane Fruit and Veg and Searcys) with Oxford Together, Oxford Hub's volunteer programme to help those in need during Covid-19, to provide twice-weekly food parcels.
The new scheme was launched with a total of 48 roast chicken and bean bake meals being delivered to volunteers from the Barton Community Association in Headington. In addition to the main meal, the parcels included a special VE Day themed afternoon treat in the shape of Winston Churchill’s favourite fruit cake.
SOFEA in Didcot and Cuckoo Lane Fruit and Veg are providing the food, which is then prepared by furloughed Searcys and Blenheim staff before being delivered by the volunteers to elderly and vulnerable people in the community.
“For me this scheme is very much about reaching out to some of our most vulnerable residents who are currently struggling on two separate levels: accessing regular grocery supplies and dealing with the consequences of self isolation,” said Barton Community Association’s Sue Holden.
“This project is allowing us, in part, to address both of these issues, and also gives us the opportunity to engage with people living on their own and at the same time carrying out informal welfare checks. It also reassures the recipients that someone cares,” she added.
Oxford Hub is a charity, which works with more than 800 volunteers to tackle social and environmental challenges throughout Oxford City. It operates Oxford Together in collaboration with Oxford City Council and other local aid groups.
To find out more about their work and to donate or volunteer go to www.oxfordtogether.org.