How We Serve You
We Support Children and Youth to Reach Their Full Potential
What We Offer
01.
Affordable Food for Families
We provide weekly access to surplus food for a small subscription fee. This helps families stretch their budgets further, while tackling food waste by rescuing good food that would otherwise go to landfill.
02.
LUNCH CLUBS
Once a month – First Wednesday of the month, we host lunch clubs where people can enjoy a hot, nutritious meal and good company. It’s a space to connect, combat loneliness, and build friendships over food. As well as learn how to cook healthy meals.
03.
Job Support & Skills Building
From CV writing and interview prep to confidence building and training opportunities, we help people take their next steps into work. Our roots in the No Limits programme mean we understand the barriers people face and are here to walk alongside them.
04.
Well-being Activities
We run a variety of well-being sessions — from mindfulness and creative workshops to men’s and women’s groups — supporting mental health, reducing isolation, and encouraging self-care.
05.
A Place to Belong
Whether you’re here for food, friendship, or finding your footing again, the Larder is a space where everyone is welcome. We believe in working together to make Banbury a place where no one is left behind.
06.
Life Skills For Young People
At The Banbury Larder we create not just safe spaces but brave spaces for young people to grow, speak openly and build confidence. During school holidays, we run engaging life skills sessions that explore real issues such as peer pressure, mental health, drugs and grooming. These sessions are honest, supportive and practical, helping young people develop resilience, make informed choices and feel empowered about their future.
IMPACT STORIES
Job club
When A. first came to The Banbury Larder, he wasn’t in education, employment, or training. He’d been out of routine for a while, unsure of what direction to take next. One of our team members — determined to get him involved — dragged him in one afternoon to help out as a volunteer.
At first, he wasn’t too keen, but something changed once he got started. The friendly atmosphere, the sense of purpose, and the encouragement from volunteers and staff gave him a boost. Week by week, his confidence grew.
Through the Job Club, we helped him explore different career paths and training options. With some guidance and gentle nudging, he eventually decided to enrol on a college course — and is now studying while also resitting his GCSEs.
He still volunteers occasionally and often talks about how being at The Larder gave him “a reason to get up and do something positive.”
His story is a real reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement — and the right community — to help someone rediscover their motivation and potential.
Reducing Food Waste and Building Community
Over 104 members attend regularly, and since April 2024, the Larder has engaged 182 individuals through food distribution, well-being sessions, and youth activities. Members often share that they’ve saved money, learned new recipes, and made new friends through the community meals. One older member said, “It’s more than food — it’s family now.”
Well-being Meals
The monthly sit-down meals for elderly residents have been a lifeline for many who live alone. One participant shared, “It’s the highlight of my month — I used to eat alone, but now I laugh and talk again.
Volunteer Statements
“As a full-time carer, I don’t get much time for myself. Coming to The Banbury Larder each week gives me a little break — a chance to chat, smile, and feel part of something. It’s not just about the food; it’s about having a moment for me.”
“I got dragged in by the former Mayor of Banbury, who said there’s a lady in the community that needs help — and I’ve never looked back since. The Banbury Larder has given me purpose, friendship, and a place where I feel part of something bigger.”