Oxford Mutual Aid is an Oxford based mutual aid organisation, founded in 2020 [1] as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. [2]
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]
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]