A NEW community larder which launched yesterday will help feed people in Oxford city centre, while also benefiting the environment.

The Oxford City Larder, which was launched yesterday, will help feed some of the poorest people in Oxford city centre.

The larder, based at West Oxford Community Centre, allows members to get access to fresh fruit, vegetables and other groceries which would otherwise be thrown away.

Run by volunteers from West Oxford Community Association, the larder will be stocked with surplus food from SOFEA Community Larder.

While it is the seventh community larder to open in Oxford, it is the first which will focus on the city centre.

Oxford Mail: The Oxford City Larder has launched and will be based at West Oxford Community Centre. Picture: Liam RiceThe Oxford City Larder has launched and will be based at West Oxford Community Centre. Picture: Liam Rice

Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health and equality, said: “These problems aren’t going away, we want to make sure nobody goes hungry and that there’s access to healthy food.

“This is one of the wealthiest wards in Oxford, but we do have pockets of deprivation.

“We want to encourage everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle and to access healthy food.”

Supported by Oxford City Council, another focus for the Oxford City Larder is to cut down on food waste.

Oxford Mail: The Oxford City Larder has launched and will be based at West Oxford Community Centre. Picture: Liam RiceThe Oxford City Larder has launched and will be based at West Oxford Community Centre. Picture: Liam Rice

Susanna Pressel, city councillor for the Osney and St Thomas ward, said: “The number one thing is to reduce the amount of food waste – it’s shocking how much food gets thrown away when there are people who go to bed hungry every night.

“This isn’t just about areas of deprivation though – this is something a lot of people can benefit from.

“It’s about reducing the stigma of coming to a place like this, people of all backgrounds can come here.”

Dr Saman Jamshidifard, Oxford City Larder lead and a trustee at West Oxford Community Association, added: “It’s really important to tackle the stigma about using schemes such as this.

“People can feel very ashamed about needing affordable food and if they see wealthy families happily shopping at community larders, they can realise you don’t need to feel embarrassed.

“Most of us need help with our household bills at the moment and it’s also a great way to do your bit for the environment.”

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County council chair John Howson said in addition to tackling deprivation, he hopes the larder will encourage more people to use allotments.

He said: “There’s quite a lot of social housing around St Thomas’ and by the Westgate – the city centre is a very mixed area and has big issues with deprivation but sometimes that’s hidden.

“This is a way of helping people and I hope it will also encourage people to take up allotments.”

The larder will be open from 4pm to 7pm every Friday at West Oxford Community Centre in Botley Road.

Membership is £10 per year, then £3.50 per week direct debit for individuals or £7 per week for a family.

If anyone would like to become a member but might struggle with the cost, they can contact the larder directly.