GHRA Cans for Christmas 2024

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Bicester Foodbank needs tinned food donations for Christmas. Book a doorstep collection by the GHRA or use a drop-off point at Wine Valley.

For many, Christmas is a special time of year. It can though also prove to be a particularly difficult period for those less fortunate. The cost of living crisis has led to a situation where there are at least 2900 food banks across the UK – more than twice the number of branches of McDonalds.

This is a national issue but one that also impacts us locally in Bicester and here at Graven Hill. As a result, the GHRA wants to play a small part in helping out by undertaking a “Cans for Christmas” food drive for the Bicester Foodbank. So, in addition to being able to contribute directly to local food banks as usual, to make it even easier during this week, a member of the GHRA committee will collect your non-perishable food donation from your doorstep. Simply get in touch by messaging our Facebook account, replying to this post, or emailing us at committee@gravenhillra.com. All we need to know is where you are and a few convenient times to collect. There is also a drop-off point this week at Wine Valley.

Bicester Foodbank is especially looking for the following: tinned vegetables (including tomatoes), tinned fish, tinned meat or vegetarian meals, and tinned rice pudding. As well as tinned goods, they are also short of long-life milk (whole or semi-skimmed), long-life fruit juice or squash, hygiene products (shower gel, shampoo, soap, toothpaste), jars of coffee, pasta sauces or cooking sauces, tea bags, and crisps or snacks. Please ensure any donations are at least four weeks within their sell-by date and note that the Bicester Foodbank cannot, at this time, take dried pasta, rice, or breakfast cereals. They also are fully stocked up on Christmas-related items.

If you are one of the increasing number struggling this Christmas and think you would benefit from the assistance of a food bank, there are a number of options available locally. Please see the links at the very end of this post for more details. Unfortunately, the GHRA is unable to distribute food directly at this time. We will though be exploring ways to better support those in need in our community over the coming year.

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For more information about the increase in use of food banks:

Or, if you need help:

  • Bicester Foodbank: you need a referral from front-line professionals such as your GP, Citizen’s Advice Bureau or a number of other agencies, including Bromford Housing: https://bicester.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/how-to-get-help/ (The Beacon, Wesley Lane, Bicester, OX26 6JU)
  • Bicester Community Fridge: you can turn up without any referral but food choice is not guaranteed and may be limited. They respectfully discourage users from queuing ahead of opening times to avoid disruption the to day centre: https://fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/…/direc…/service.page… (Bicester Community Support Services, Launton Road, Bicester, OX26 6DJ)
  • Bicester Community Hub: free and you can turn up without any referral but food choice is not guaranteed and may be limited as sourced by food surplus: https://m.facebook.com/BicesterHub/ (Perch Eco Business Centre, Bicester, OX26 8BL)
  • Open Doors Café: you can turn up without any referral for a nutritious meal made from surplus food, served in a supportive, community-focused environment. Pay what you can afford: https://bicesteropendoors.org.uk (Bicester Methodist Church, Sheep Street, Bicester, OX26 6JQ)
  • Salvation Army: A training café for students with additional needs. Pay what you feel is a fair price: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/bicester (The Vine, Training Café, Hart Place, Bicester OX26 4FR)
  • Café 103: A free drop-in café-style community space for adults who are struggling with mental or emotional health: https://www.renewwellbeing.org.uk/our-centres/west/639-oxfordshire-bicester-cafe-103 (Bicester Methodist Church, Sheep Street, Bicester, OX26 6JQ