New grant to help people stay warm and fed this winter
A new food and warmth grant will help support people in our communities this winter who may otherwise struggle to afford essential things.
Access to nutritious food and warm homes are basic necessities – but the ongoing impact of the pandemic on people’s finances, health and wellbeing has been further heightened by the cost-of-living crisis.
Launched by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils, the grant is aimed at local voluntary and community groups, and town and parish councils, who can use it to support those most in need in the districts. Organisations can apply for grants between £2,000 to £5,000, or up to £10,000 for collaborative projects between groups of two or more organisations. The grant can fund projects providing food and warmth to people who may otherwise struggle to access these crucial essentials over the winter.
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We all need nutritious food and warmth – but the reality is that many people are finding it hard to afford these essentials. Many residents have experienced impacts on their health and wellbeing from the pandemic, and this grant scheme will play an important role in building resilience and funding projects for people this winter.”
Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We encourage voluntary sector organisations and town and parish councils to apply for this grant to help them continue to support people impacted by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. We’re launching this grant now so people can have help throughout the winter months to have access to healthy food and warm spaces.”
The grant can cover capital and revenue costs for projects that support people with food and warmth, such as buying food and essential supplies such as household cleaning products, toiletries, hot water bottles and blankets and cooking equipment such as saucepans and slow cookers. Projects might also include cooking clubs, gardening clubs and educational activities that promote healthy food choices and saving energy.
The grant scheme opened week commencing 23 October 2023 and closes at midday 27 November 2023. Decisions are expected to be made within four weeks.
Support is also available through the councils’ Community Hub. If you need support, call our friendly Community Hub Team during office hours on 01235 422600 (option 3) or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
For more information on the grant and details on how to apply go to our website South / Vale
ENDS
Notes to editors
About the grant:
The grant is funded by the government’s Containment Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) which was launched in December 2020 to fund the implementation of local authority public health measures which aimed to support the proactive containment and intervention to reduce COVID-19 outbreak and spread of infection.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse district councils continue to fund a variety of initiatives in support of the aims of the COMF. On 21 September 2023 the councils approved the allocation of COMF for a voluntary sector organisation grant for projects that mitigate against the public health impact of lack of access to warm homes and food.
About the Community Hub:
The councils are funding the Community Hub for a further two years to help people as much as possible with the rising cost-of-living. Originally set up in response to the pandemic, the Community Hub now provides ongoing practical support, advice and funding to the district’s most vulnerable residents. It plays an important role supporting the council’s ongoing response work for refugees and asylum seekers in the district and works with partners to lead and deliver programmes to address inequalities. The Community Hub delivers cost-of-living help for those in most financial need.
If you need support, call our friendly Community Hub Team during office hours on 01235 422600 (option 3) or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
