Food and Warmth Grant Scheme supports people this winter
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ Food and Warmth Grant Scheme is helping support people to cope with the rising cost of living this winter.
Grants totaling over £150,000 have been awarded to 50 local not-for-profit organisations who are delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm.
The funding is supporting a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Supplying food and essential household items such as toiletries (including period products) and cleaning products
- Providing warm equipment like blankets, hot water bottles and energy-efficient cooking equipment
- Covering costs linked to running Warm Welcome Spaces
- Purchasing equipment to support food and warmth projects such as cooking clubs
- Short-term staffing, venue or fuel costs to deliver projects
Pamela Roscoe from Vale Community Impact said: “The Food and Warmth Grant from the council will assist us in delivering a genuine difference to people in our community during a period of continued uncertainty and strain.”
Ben Drabble from Train – Inspiring Young People said: “The Food and Warmth Grant has made a real difference for young people in Didcot and Wallingford. It has helped us provide warm, welcoming spaces where young people can access hot food and essential items with dignity. For some, our youth centres are the only places they can stay warm, eat properly, and feel supported. This funding has strengthened that safety net for young people and families who are under pressure this winter.”
Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Many residents are struggling to afford the essentials they need to stay warm and healthy. This grant makes such an important contribution to ensuring people get the support they need this winter and we hope the funding will have a long-term, positive impact on families in our communities.”
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We all need access to nutritious food and warmth, but many people are struggling to afford these essentials. This grant is helping local organisations provide residents with the much-needed essentials this winter. It is supporting things like food, toiletries, warm clothing – making a positive difference in our local communities.”
The councils’ Food and Warmth Grant Scheme is funded through the Government’s Household Support Fund which is allocated via Oxfordshire County Council.
The full lists of organisations awarded grants are on our websites:
ENDS
About the Community Hub:
The Community Hub was first set up to support residents through the Covid-19 pandemic and has since become a permanent service providing advice, practical help and funding to those most in need. The Community Hub is central to providing cost-of-living support for residents under financial pressure, and partners with local organisations to deliver programmes that reduce inequality. It plays a vital role in the councils’ work with vulnerable residents, including newly arrived communities displaced by war and persecution.
If you need help or advice, our Community Hub Team is here for you. Call 01235 422600 (option 3) during office hours or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk.
