The idea
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
- Purchase consumables e.g. cleaning materials, paper bags, stationery
- Purchase new fridges and freezers
- Purchase sturdy and safe tables for food display and storage
- Volunteer training to include Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, First Aid
- Purchase licence for Monday.com (to support project management and running of WFR)
- Purchase filing cabinet to ensure safety of confidential material
- Purchase an ipad for auto data logging and day to day business and communication
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
- Order place for new fridges and new freezer by 31/08/2024
- Order 6 new tables for storage by 31/08/2024
- Review of volunteer training needs completed by 01/06/2024
- Implement relevant training courses by 31/08/2024
- Costs for consumables are ongoing
- Start a subscription with Monday.com by 01/06/2024
- Purchase filing cabinet by 31/08/2024
