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Councils continue to work closely together with voluntary sector to help families through half-term and beyond


Help continues to be available, should it be required, during half term in Oxfordshire for families of children in receipt of free school meals.

All six Oxfordshire councils have been working together very closely with community and voluntary partners to help families across the county access food and essential supplies.

Support mechanisms are in place to help vulnerable families, and these have been targeted at those who need it most. Oxfordshire’s councils have a strong track record of delivery through third-sector partners and these links shone through during the lockdown period earlier this year

Oxfordshire County Council has already passed a grant of more than £500,000 – received from central government on 31 July – to the district councils; Good Food Oxford and South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance.

Countywide services for children are open as normal during half term to respond to families needing assistance. 

Meanwhile there are local schemes aimed at children and families during the half term period:

  • Cherwell District Council is running Activator sessions in Grimsbury and Neithrop followed by warm healthy snacks. Family cooking bags will also be given out to families with ingredients and recipe cards to encourage healthy cooking at home.
  • In West Oxfordshire a number of schemes are operational to help support children through organisations such as Witney Fridge, Eynsham Community Larder, Carterton Foodbank, Witney Besom and Chippy Larder in Chipping Norton. Lots of local businesses are also making ready-made meals. Using Government funding Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire is providing food vouchers and debt advice for people who are struggling to manage.  
  • Ox4FreeFoodCrew is extending its offer to school children and their parents in the city, with a café open for any families in need too. Others providing assistance include Barton Larder (Barton Community Centre), SYRCOX, and Rose Hill Junior Youth Club.
  • South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse  – The councils continue to support residents who are struggling to fund food – whether that is because of school meals not being available or any other reason. This is being done through our established Community Hub and we are working with partners to provide appropriate support where it is identified as needed.

You can find out more information and useful websites here.