As part of this year’s Staff Survey, Abingdon & Witney College pledged to donate one food item to a local foodbank for every completed response. Thanks to the incredible engagement of staff, approximately 400 items were collected and donated, making a positive impact on communities across Oxfordshire.

The survey plays a vital role in shaping future improvements within our College, and this year, it also created an opportunity to extend support beyond it. Two donations were made - one to Abingdon Foodbank and one to Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank, both of which are part of the Trussell Trust network, working nationally to combat poverty and hunger.

In May 2025 alone, Abingdon Foodbank distributed 195 food parcels to local people in need, and in 2024 gave out 65 tonnes of food across the community. The College’s donation, weighing in at 73kg of food and essentials, arrived at a time when shelves were running low.

Foodbank Manager Philip Bingham shared his thanks, saying:

“Your gift is very timely: our stock was low at the end of summer but our shelves are now full again, enabling us to carry on serving people in Abingdon who are struggling for food. We are most grateful for the support of Abingdon & Witney College.”

Last year, Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank supported 5,477 people, including 2,291 children. Demand continues to rise, particularly at the start of the school year when families feel extra financial pressure. When College staff delivered the donation, they met with managers Faye and Megan along with members of their dedicated volunteer team. Megan explained that September is a particularly difficult period, as schools return and parents face increased costs, leading to a surge in referrals. She emphasised how vital the College’s support was at this time, describing the donation as much needed and deeply appreciated.

Maria Grindley, Chair of Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to Abingdon & Witney College staff for their generous donations. At a time when demand for food support is rising across Oxfordshire, contributions like this make a real difference to families and individuals who are struggling. Sadly, as demand for our services has increased, donations have decreased as many of our supporters have less disposable income, therefore this initiative and every single item donated makes a difference for our clients.”

The foodbank provides seven days of nutritionally balanced emergency food in parcels, with the ability to adapt to dietary needs. If there are any items donated that they cannot use, due to expiry dates or appropriateness, they pass them onto the Witney Community Fridge whose focus is reducing food waste while supporting those in need.

We’re so proud that through staff engagement, every survey completed directly contributed to families across Oxfordshire receiving essential food and support.

Thank you to all staff who took part, and to the teams at Abingdon Foodbank and Witney & West Oxfordshire Foodbank for their tireless work in supporting local communities.