VOLUNTEERS are delivering dozens of free meals to vulnerable Oxford residents.

Oxford Together, Oxford Hub's volunteer programme to help those in need during Covid-19, has joined forces with a number of organisations to provide meals twice a week.

The groups helping out include South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA), Oxford Food Bank, Cuckoo Lane Fruit and Veg, catering company Searcys and Blenheim Palace to provide twice-weekly food parcels.

ALSO READ: Blenheim Palace set to reopen park and gardens

The scheme was launched with 48 roast chicken and bean bake meals being delivered to volunteers at the Barton Community Association in Headington. The parcels also included a special VE Day treat.

SOFEA in Didcot and Cuckoo Lane Fruit and Veg are providing the food, which is then prepared by furloughed staff from Searcys and Blenheim Palace before being delivered by the volunteers to elderly and vulnerable people in the community.

Sue Holden from Barton Community Association, said: “This scheme is very much about reaching out to some of our most vulnerable residents who are currently struggling on two separate levels: accessing regular grocery supplies and dealing with the consequences of self isolation."