Bicester Foodbank is celebrating its 20 years of service

The foodbank started in 2006 when Ms Ray, inspired by her visits to New Zealand, began collecting non-perishable food from eight local churches, distributing from her garage in Launton.

In its first year, it supported less than 1,000 people but in recent years that figure has almost doubled.

However, the foodbank has seen an eight per cent decline, attributed to a shortfall of volunteers, over the last five years.

Alison Drake, manager of Bicester Foodbank (Image: Beautiful Bicester)

Alison Drake, manager of Bicester Foodbank, said the milestone is “bittersweet” and added: “This anniversary isn’t just a celebration, it’s an opportunity to help our community understand the scale of food insecurity locally.

“I’m incredibly proud to lead this amazing service that Janet founded, and proud of the compassion our community shows every day.

“Our work matters but the truth is, people shouldn’t have to rely on a food bank in the first place.”

In the early years, it was a major hurdle to build awareness which would ensure people in crisis knew help was available, while also encouraging people to donate.

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Practical challenges also included limited storage space, coordinating volunteers and overcoming stigma, which could only built on trust, time and strong community relationships.

The 10th anniversary was marked by the move to Market Square, a more centrally visible and accessible location.

This strengthened relationships with local agencies and partners, making referrals smoother and more coordinated.

Recent factors for demand increase has been driven by a combination of economic, social and political factors, including rising bills, changes to the welfare system and the 2008 financial crisis.

More than 60 per cent of its users are single adults with or without children. The biggest challenges faced by those in Bicester include the rising cost of essentials, ongoing physical or mental health conditions and debt.

Bicester Foodbank volunteers (Image: The Like Minded)

Ms Drake said: “Every so often, someone arrives at the foodbank with nothing more than the clothes they’re wearing.

“In those moments, we respond with deep care and compassion, making sure they feel safe and supported.

“Thanks to our incredible network of referral partners across the community, we can act quickly to provide emergency help when it’s needed most.

“We’ve been told that this response has saved lives.”

Throughout the year, the foodbank will run a handful of fundraising events from an Easter Sunday party to an OktoberFest.

“It looking ahead to the autumn when it will host a special harvest festival service at St Edburg’s Church.

Ms Drake added: “This anniversary isn’t just a celebration, it’s an opportunity to help our community understand the scale of food insecurity locally.”