‘People are making decisions they shouldn't have to make’ says Oxfordshire foodbank
Witney foodbank has seen a 62% rise in demand compared to statistics five years ago
Last updated 21st May 2025
A foodbank in Oxfordshire says “people are making devastating decisions they shouldn't have to make” as figures show a sharp rise in the number of people relying on their services.
Figures released by Trussell shows that over 20,000 emergency food parcels have been given out across, between the end of March in 2024 and this year.
That includes foodbanks in Cherwell, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire.
Witney foodbank has seen a 62% rise in demand compared to statistics five years ago.
Maria Grindley, incoming Chair of Witney foodbanks says, “the statistics are shocking”.
She said: “We see people from all walks of life for all different reasons. As I walk around Witney now, I would not be surprised if anyone I saw walking up and down the High Street appeared at our door.”
She added: “The Food Bank is one of the warmest, most welcoming places you could go to. People there have experienced food poverty themselves, so they understand exactly how you're feeling. There is absolutely no judgement for anyone arriving at our door.
“We will help you and make sure that you get what you need, but we will also point you to the services that you need as well and help you to access the benefits you're entitled to.”
Foodbank use has increased by 34% across Cherwell, while Bicester levels have not risen above 5% since 2020.
Alison Drake, manager at Bicester foodbank said: “figures rose sharply due to the pandemic, but we are far from returning to pre pandemic levels due to ongoing high levels of financial hardship related to the high cost of living, especially for food, rent and bills and a weakened social security system pushes people into debt.
“Not everyone can afford to buy their essentials items.
“We are playing our part to turn this around but need government to play their part.”
A Government spokesperson said: "This Government is determined to change people's lives for the better, helping them out of poverty and tackling the unacceptable rise in food bank dependence in recent years.
"We are reforming the broken welfare system we inherited so we can get people into good, secure jobs, while always protecting those who need it most.
"As part of our Plan for Change we are extending the Household Support Fund, launching 750 breakfast clubs across the country and making changes to universal credit to give a £420 boost to over one million households."