6 Pledges worth £1705 months ago
Westhive empowers the community to create a thriving, inclusive and better connected place
We intercept surplus food from retail to mitigate waste and reduce the environmental footprint. We distribute food to the local community thereby reducing hunger and financial hardship.
Witney Food Revolution (WFR) is a volunteer-powered community action group founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food while minimising waste. Our mission is to combat food surplus and hunger simultaneously. Food waste in the UK generates 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. WFR provides an effective way to tackle food waste, contributing towards saving the planet. We open 4 days a week to distribute food to the local community. Our visitors are made up from a wide demographic including the vulnerable. Additionally, we signpost to support agencies while providing pastoral care and friendship. WFR has grown exponentially since opening in 2019. For example, in Feb 2024 we redistributed 14.5 tonnes of food that would have gone to landfill (double Feb 2023): instead it was shared with 2148 visitors. In order to sustain and develop this growth we need to increase funds to cover core costs, buy assets and train volunteers.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
Sustainability *Tackling food waste to reduce carbon emissions and reduce our impact on climate change *Support supermarkets meet the Government's Sustainable Development Goal of halving food waste by 2030 To reduce food poverty *2021/22 the DWP survey reported 4.7 million people (7%) in the UK are living in food poverty. Our mission is to ensure that surplus food reaches those in need *WFR was named Community Organisation of the year 2023 in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to the local community Community involvement * Through our work we provide support for those struggling with loneliness, isolation and mental health challenges *Witney Food Revolution works closely with local agencies e.g. baby bank, food bank, Citizens Advice Volunteer support * Provide a community for volunteers and training to become fully skilled in their roles * Mentor young people develop life/work skills * Research shows volunteering results in improvement in mental health and wellbeing
Steps to get it done:
Gallery
Location Witney
About the space
Witney has a population of 30,168 (2021 census). According to the indices of deprivation 2019, 3 areas of Witney were within the 40% most deprived nationally. End Child Poverty 2019, estimates that all wards in Witney had over 20% of children living in poverty.
Council
West Oxfordshire District Council
Journey
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Brilliant news, thanks everyone!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Westhive empowers the community to create a thriving, inclusive and better connected place
How will the money be spent?Target (inc. fees) £9,431
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Overfunding
This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:
Target (inc. fees) £9,431
Our Volunteer List
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VolunteerCultivating Sustainability, Nourishing Communities
Named Witney Community Organisation of the Year 2023, the Witney Food Revolution is a volunteer-powered Community Action Group founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food while minimising waste. Our mission is twofold: to combat food surplus and hunger simultaneously.
For example, in January 2024 alone, our Community Fridge and Larder redistributed approximately 14,000kg (that's 14 tonnes!) of food. Without our efforts, this food would have gone to landfill, but instead, we were able to share it with about 2,000 visitors.
Our Environmental Commitment: We're passionate about environmental stewardship. By intercepting surplus food from local businesses, markets, and farms, we mitigate waste and reduce the environmental footprint associated with food production and disposal. Through our efforts, we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet and educate our community on the value in protecting our environment for generations to come.
Supporting Food Security: However, our impact goes beyond compost heaps and recycling bins. Recognising the pressing issue of food insecurity and poverty in our community, we've made it our mission to ensure that surplus food doesn't go to waste but instead reaches those in need. Through partnerships with supermarkets, national brands, food groups, food banks, and community centres, we channel this surplus to nourish individuals and families facing hunger and financial hardship during the current cost of living crisis and beyond.
Community Collaboration: None of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Together, we form a tight-knit community committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of both people and the planet.
Join us in our mission. Together, we can turn surplus into sustenance and transform our community, one meal at a time.
Project Owner: The Witney Food Revolution The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
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