Published: Friday, 14 January 2022

A new weekly community larder, a low cost food scheme, is opening in Oxford that will help with the rising cost of living and reduce food waste.

Supported by Oxford City Council, the Oxford City Larder launches on Friday 14 January and anyone can join regardless of income. It will be the seventh community larder in Oxford.

The Oxford City Larder is a food scheme where members can take fresh fruit, vegetables and selected ambient groceries such as packets or tins that come from food industry excess and would otherwise be thrown away.

The larder will be open 4pm to 7pm every Friday evening at West Oxford Community Centre on Botley Road, which also gives people on their way home from work a chance to shop there.

It will be volunteer-run by the West Oxford Community Association and stocked with surplus food from SOFEA Community Larder. Oxford City Council locality hub staff will also be there every week.

Membership is £10 per year, then £3.50 per week direct debit for individuals or £7.00/week for a family. People do not have to be on benefits or have a low income to be a member. 

If anyone would like to become a member but might struggle with the cost, they can contact the larder directly.

“This new larder is going to help so many people and everyone is welcome to join the scheme. As part of on-going work supporting local residents, the Council identified a gap in the city centre for people being able to access affordable food. Not only does this help to supplement people’s weekly shop and make money go further, it is also helps us all live a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities at Oxford City Council

“It’s really important to tackle the stigma about using schemes such as this. People can feel very ashamed about needing affordable food and if they see wealthy families happily shopping at community larders, they can realise you don’t need to feel embarrassed. Most of us need help with our household bills at the moment and it’s also a great way to do your bit for the environment.”

Dr Sâmân Jamshidifard, Oxford City Larder Lead and West Oxford Community Association Trustee

Become a member of the scheme.

More information on free or low cost access to food.

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