Bicester Community Fridge creates new volunteering roles for day service users
People are playing an increasingly active role in running the Bicester Community Fridge (BCF), as it continues to reduce food waste, strengthen community connections and support residents.
Founded by Lucy Stanton, the fridge has been based at Oxfordshire County Council’s Bicester Community Support Service since October 2019. The very first collection ‒ a modest tray of bread and scones from Aldi ‒ marked the beginning of what has become a valued community asset.
Over the past six years, the fridge has welcomed families, older residents and Afghan refugees, creating a diverse and welcoming environment while preventing tonnes of surplus food from going to waste.
Open five days a week, Bicester Community Fridge supports around 150–200 families weekly, redistributing surplus food collected from supermarkets, food warehouses, events companies and the Oxford Food Hub.
As a self‑funding initiative reliant on grants, the fridge recently received support from the Cherwell Household Support Fund, enabling the purchase of air fryers, slow cookers, blankets, draught excluders and hot water bottles to help those most in need.
Caroline Powell, a long‑standing volunteer and service user, said: “Being part of the fridge makes a very positive contribution to the community. It brings together people who might never have met otherwise.
“We all appreciate the hospitality of the day centre in hosting this valuable project, and I hope this relationship continues to grow.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is a fantastic example of how communities thrive when people are given meaningful opportunities to contribute.
“The volunteers at Bicester Community Fridge, including those supported by Bicester CSS, play a vital role in supporting local people and strengthening community connections. We’re incredibly proud of what this partnership has achieved.”
The partnership with Bicester CSS has also created opportunities for meaningful volunteering. Day service users now support the fridge during its Monday and Tuesday openings ‒ setting up the space, welcoming guests, handing out food, maintaining hygiene standards and helping to tidy up.
Volunteers from the wider community (33 in total, including three Duke of Edinburgh students) support the fridge throughout the week. Any food not suitable for people is collected by residents with animals or smallholdings, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
This collaboration is breaking down barriers between different cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Volunteers and service users often describe the group as "a family", offering kindness, shared purpose and a strong sense of belonging.
Staff say the partnership has been transformative, providing meaningful responsibilities, routine and confidence‑building opportunities.
Looking ahead, the vision is to expand volunteering roles further and develop a shared café space for people supported by Bicester CSS and the wider community, creating a welcoming place where food, social connection and local support can continue to grow.
You can find out more about Bicester Community Support Service by visiting the Live Well Oxfordshire website.
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