Initially founded as a Facebook group to make and trade masks and supplies,[2] the organisation has since grown into one of the biggest food poverty organisations in the city, claiming to have over 1000 volunteers.[3]
Whilst originally providing food parcels to those self-isolating, the organisation now provides support in the form of weekly and emergency food parcels, and claims to feed over 1000 people every month.[4][5] Based in the Cowley Road area of Oxford, the organisation delivers parcels direct-to-door across the entirety of Oxford City.
The organisation does not means test, unlike many food poverty organisations, but follows a similar model otherwise to many food banks.[6][7][8]
Oxford Mutual Aid is a part of the OX4 Food Crew, an alliance of 9 East Oxford based food poverty organisations.[9][10]
History
The group has consistently campaigned on issues of local food poverty, inequality and cost of living in the City of Oxford.[11][12]
In early 2024, the organisation was threatened with closure, as funding related to the cost-of-living crisis was reduced[13]
In 2024, the group partnered with Velocity Cycle Couriers, part-funded by Oxford City Council, to assist with 'awkward' deliveries in the cities controversial zero-emission zone.[14]
In November 2024, as a result of winter flooding at suppliers, Oxford Mutual Aid was forced to close for several weeks.[15] The organisation later warned in early 2025 of a steep rise in first-time requests, suggesting that food poverty was on the rise as a result of cuts to benefits[16]
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