Cost of Living Support

We provide the following ‘Cost of Living’ Support: 

Life Larder

Mondays, 9.30-10.30am

Thursdays, 5-7pm

The Larder is a development of our Foodbank provision in the Wychwoods, and we hope you’ll agree that it’s for the better.

Instead of providing Foodbank parcels to the door, we offer a combined ‘Foodbank / Larder / Community Fridge’ provision.

We do this in order to offer more choice in the food received, as well as to expand who can receive support. From feedback previously received, we were aware that parcels included items some did not like, or too many tinned items. 

In contrast, the Larder offers more variety with fresh and frozen produce, made possible by the provision of a fridge by ‘Sustainable Wychwoods’ and a chest freezer, funded jointly by Bruern Flour Mill and Matthews Cotswold Flour.

We’re also aware that some either do not wish to receive Foodbank parcels (or don’t think they are eligible), but would appreciate being able to have access to some items, either free of charge or for a small contribution. 

Our hope is that the Larder increases choice, whilst reducing waste and demand on Foodbank. 

The Larder is available to residents of the following locations:

Ascott, Milton & Shipton under Wychwood

Bruern, Fifield, Idbury, Lyneham

Food is provided on a ‘take what you need, give what you can’ basis. So if you are in a position to give a donation (however small) to cover costs - great. However, we recognise some may need it free of charge. 

From time to time we may have other surplus food available at short notice. Follow us on social media or ask to be added to our ‘WhatsApp group to receive details. 

Plus ... 'Home Cooked Takeaways' are back! We are about to receive a grant enabling us to provide a home cooked takeaway meal each month during 2025. It’s a meal created onsite which will be cooled and refrigerated for you to take home and reheat in the microwave.  The first meal is planned to be cooked on Wednesday 29th January, and will be available to collect that afternoon or at the Larder the following day. Pick up is preferred but if you are unable to do that, then let us know and we can arrange delivery.  Contact us if you would like to receive one.

Can you help support us? 

Operating the Life Larder is dependent on finance and food donations.  We are looking for support with both. 

For details on how to give financially, see www.wychwoodlife.org/giving

If you can supply regular food items, please contact us. Alternatively, items can be left in the baskets at the Village Shop in Ascott, Co op in Milton, St. Michael’s Store in Shipton, or our porch.

Cafe - Free if you need it!

We also offer tea, coffee and cake at our Friday Cafe (10am - 12noon) on a free or donations only basis. 

Energy Support 

In addition to the above, we hold a fund to help with home energy costs.  Once a year we take applications for financial support.

The deadline for the current round of applications is 28th February. If you would liketo be considered, please email  with your name, address, email and phone number.

If you are in a position to give to this fund, please see www.wychwoodlife.org/giving for details. 

Other Support

 Occasionally we provide other means of support. Keep checking here for details.