Volunteering at Oxford food Hub: 6 years behind the wheel

I first encountered Oxford Food Bank (as it was then) at Binsey Village Fair. The previous manager, Cathy, encouraged me to have a slice of home-made courgette cake. Delicious…and then she explained its providence!!! Not put off, I started volunteering as a driver in January 2018. And here I am, six years later, still driving around Oxford, looking for a slip road out! No, but seriously, I was very taken with the idea of helping to redistribute some of the enormous amount of perfectly good food that is wasted every day.

I thoroughly enjoy my Monday shift. I deliver to 10 Charities including Nurseries, Family rooms, Drop in centres, Asylum centres, Food larders, Cafe’s and Kitchens. I meet lots of different people, all volunteering and helping to support others in positive and practical ways.

Driving the van, old faithful LF, has its challenges on the streets of Oxford – narrow roads with cars parked on both sides, reversing out of tight spaces, electric bikes and bicycles! Getting out of side roads like Abingdon and Magdalen Road can be a bit of a waiting game at times! But some kind driver always lets me out.

It’s been great getting to know loads of interesting people, all doing their bit, from people supporting others at the range of charities where I deliver, to staff and volunteers keeping the base running smoothly and the show on the road.
And now with the regular socials, it’s even more fun getting to meet up with volunteers on “the Other Days”!