Oxfordshire Care Homes Join Forces with Community for County-wide Food Drive

With the demand for emergency food in West Oxfordshire rising almost tenfold in the past five years, Porthaven Care Homes’ two Oxfordshire homes came together to host a county-wide food drive to support local families in need and strengthen community ties ahead of the winter months.

Running from 1st to 17th October, in the build-up to World Food Day, Penhurst Gardens in Chipping Norton and Cotswold Gate in Burford invited residents, team members, families, and members of their local communities to donate non-perishable food items and household essentials to collection boxes at both homes.

Together, they supported three local food banks – Chipping Norton Food Bank, Witney Food Bank and Carterton Food Bank – helping to deliver much-needed supplies and support to those struggling with the rising cost of living.

Lynne Elliott, home manager at Penhurst Gardens Care Home, said:
“Our residents were really enthusiastic about being involved in the World Food Day food drive. It’s been heartwarming to see the whole community, not just in Chipping Norton but wider Oxfordshire, pull together to support others in need. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference.”

Clarissa Ellis, peripatetic home manager at Cotswold Gate Care Home, shared:
“It’s been so inspiring to see how our residents, staff and the local community have rallied together for such an important cause. The sense of teamwork and compassion has been incredible, and it’s a wonderful example of how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.”