OsNosh’s Continued Community Work & Aico Partnership

Aico first partnered with OsNosh in 2020, supporting their mission to fight food poverty and prevent waste by using surplus food. Aico colleagues have been working with OsNosh for over four years, volunteering their time to feed the local community.

The charity goes beyond the kitchen, growing organic fruit and vegetables, building gardens for local growers in the community. Established first by providing meals to the community, soon grew to supporting over 200 people after the pandemic. During this time is when Aico first began the partnership, colleagues would help by delivering hot meals to the more isolated of the community. Since pandemic restrictions have eased, the charity has welcomed more memebers, offering share tables and space for the community to enjoy, whilst tucking into the delicious food the menu offers.

In 2022, Aico provided funding to OsNosh to run a hands-on Cookery Programme for students at The Marches School in Oswestry. Following the success of an initial pilot programme and ongoing funding from Aico, OsNosh is now able to expand this programme, develop community links and invest in the young people of Oswestry.

So far, OsNosh have made a huge contribution to feeding the community by producing just under 900 meals, with 380 of them produced from food that had exceeded their ‘best before’ date. Without OsNosh taking this produce, this food would have contributed to the thousands of tonnes wasted each year in the UK.

What a Day Entails Volunteering at Osnosh

“The day begins with visits to local supermarkets in Oswestry, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Co-Op, to collect surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Once the car is loaded with an array of produce including, baked goods, and fruit and veg, we return to OsNosh, where the team helps unload and sort everything. The food is carefully assessed to decide what can be cooked for lunch and what can be shared amongst visitors.

With the food sorted, preparations for lunch begin. Volunteers and colleagues clean and set up the dining area, lay tables, and prepare hot drinks. It’s a team effort, and the space is transformed into a welcoming environment. As local community members begin to arrive, we greet them with smiles and offer teas and coffees, ensuring they feel comfortable and at home.

Lunch is then served, with freshly prepared hot meals brought to the tables. The food is hearty and nourishing, reflecting OsNosh’s mission to reduce waste while supporting those in need. Guests enjoy the opportunity to share a meal and connect with others in a warm, friendly space. The atmosphere is lively and uplifting, fostering a true sense of community.

After lunch, the team clears the tables and begins the clean-up process. Dishes are washed, tables are wiped down, and the space is tidied, ready to help the community again”. – Alison Gill, Senior Marketing Executive

“I volunteered there earlier this year and was really humbled by the hard work that goes on there. I spent the morning collecting the donations from four different local supermarkets and then helped sort them into the stores room.

In the morning people were coming in for tea and coffee before lunch started around midday, for which my job was serving, with a smile obviously.

I was surprised just how busy it was, but not by how friendly, compassionate and welcoming everyone that volunteered there was”. – Tristan Potkins, Relationship Manager, London North

“Aico are very proud to be working with and supporting local organisations doing great work. I have known and worked with OsNosh since 2020. The work they do to support our community is incredible, providing delicious meals for local people from food that would otherwise go to waste, as well as the work they do developing cookery programmes with local schools, helping students develop essential life skills”. – Jane Pritchard, Community Liaison