Oxford Mutual Aid are seeking urgent help to keep supporting hundreds of households with food packages in Oxford.
Beginning in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has grown to become a vital part of Oxfords Aid infrastructure, supplying regular and emergency food packages to a growing number of families facing food insecurity.
Oxford Mutual Aid support over 170 households with regular food packages, baby/toddler and household supplies and pet food. They also provide over 200 emergency food packages a month. Referrals are made by GPs, social and link workers, as well as from individuals themselves.
The organisation is facing an uncertain future as regular donations have declined, and are struggling to meet core costs. Without more regular donations they will need to drastically change their operations, which may affect the number of households they are able to support.
A tale of two cities, Oxford is most known for the University and the wealthy districts that surround it, but it is also home to some of the most deprived wards in the country. As one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, an increasing number of people are struggling to meet their basic needs in terms of housing, food, and basic necessities.
Prior to the pandemic, Oxford was already facing a homeless crisis and Covid-19 has exacerbated many problems. Many aid organisations have closed their doors, and this has left a gap in support, despite growing need.
Whilst recognising that everyone is struggling with the cost of living, they are asking the Oxfordshire community for support, especially across the holiday season.
The holiday season is a particularly hard time for people facing poverty and food insecurity. And the organisation want to maximise their reach and provide food and gifts to anyone that needs it.
They also need to raise funds to help cover core costs, which will enable them to maintain and increase the current level of operations.
You can also help them fundraise by organising a local event, volunteering and donating food and gifts. You can also donate directly via the website.
As an organisation born from, and driven by, community, they need your help to keep maintaining their presence as a key driver of food provision for vulnerable people in Oxford. Whatever your capacity, they appreciate every contribution, in the knowledge that it will help them continue up-lifting and empowering our community in the joint aim of tackling food injustice in the local area.
