Food and Warmth Grant Scheme launched to support residents this winter
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a Food and Warmth Grant Scheme to help local organisations who are directly supporting residents struggling with the rising cost of living.
The scheme will distribute grants to local not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm. It is funded through the Government’s Household Support Fund which is allocated via Oxfordshire County Council.
Grants are available for a six-week application window with the scheme closing for applications midday 6 November 2025. Local groups can apply for up to £2,000 if un-constituted, £2,000–£5,000 if constituted, and up to £10,000 for collaborations between three or more not-for-profit organisations led by a constituted group.
The funding can support 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 or gardening clubs
· Short-term staffing, venue or fuel costs to deliver projects
· Educational activities that promote healthy eating, energy saving, budgeting and household resilience
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include constituted and un-constituted not-for-profit groups, voluntary and community organisations, Community Interest Companies (CICs), preschools and PTAs (for non-statutory items), parish and town councils, food banks, community fridges and redistribution groups.
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Hub, and Deputy Leader 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 will help local organisations provide residents with the much-needed essentials this winter. It will support things like food, toiletries, warm clothing, and the running of Warm Welcome Spaces, which we know make a positive difference in our local communities.”
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 will help ensure they get the support they need. It’s great to see that the funding can be used for educational activities promoting healthy eating, energy saving, budgeting, and household resilience, which will have a long-term positive impact on families in our communities. We encourage voluntary sector organisations and town and parish councils to apply so they can continue supporting those affected by cost-of-living pressures.”
Organisations can apply through the councils’ websites: South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.
For queries, organisations can contact the Community Hub Team at communityconnectors@southandvale.gov.uk or call 01235 422 600 (option 3).
The funding is part of the wider Household Support Fund, which also includes targeted support to address period poverty.
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. It plays a vital role in the councils’ work with refugees and asylum seekers, and partners with local organisations to deliver programmes that reduce inequality. The Hub is also central to providing cost-of-living support for residents under financial pressure.
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.
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