Witney and West Oxfordshire Foodbank has teamed up with a local zero-emission business to help manage rising food costs as demand for its services continues to grow.
The charity, which supports more than 5,000 people each year, is now working with M&M Zero to collect and transport food purchases from supermarkets to its base at Cottsway House in Witney.
The partnership comes as the foodbank increasingly needs to buy food rather than rely solely on donations. Around 40 per cent of food items are now purchased, compared with just two per cent before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maria Grindley, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the foodbank, said: “Price watching is critical. By purchasing items at the lowest rate, we’re able to support more individuals and families with nutritionally balanced emergency food packages.”
“Transport has always been another barrier. Without a sufficient amount of space to load the food we order, we encounter additional time and cost expense for the charity and our volunteers.”
The foodbank works with people referred by professionals including health workers, schools, support charities and Citizens Advice. Clients can receive up to six food parcels in six months alongside access to financial advice.
Founded in 2021, M&M Zero operates electric vans powered by renewable energy from its base in Cassington.
Matt Wright, Commercial Director at The M&M Group, said: “The fact Witney and West Oxfordshire Foodbank worked with more than 5,000 people in 2025 – including 2,200 children – demonstrates there is a food poverty crisis locally, which is something our team want to tackle.
“We’re proud to support the charity during a time where it has encountered rapid increases in demand for its services and hope this small gesture can make a big difference to those in our community.”
