Sustainability Column - Teaming up with Oxford Food Hub

So far this year, this column has seen us discuss many topics as we continue our sustainability journey.

From water to power to waste, we have been working hard to minimise our impact in all aspects of our event.

This summer will be no different and ahead of RIAT25, we are pleased to announce we are working with Oxford Food Hub to reduce our food waste. With over 160,000 people expected to join us in July, RAF Fairford transforms from a rural military airfield to a hive of activity with hundreds of structures and around 120 food venders for the public.

Based in Botley, Oxford, the Oxford Food Hub have been operating since 2008 when their two founders noticed how much food supermarkets discarded at the end of each day, so began collecting it and distributing it to those in need.

Over a decade later, the organisation now helps over 200+ charities, community groups, and schools through a dedicated team made up of less than 10 employees and over 100 volunteers.

“Our growth has been completely organic. We started by supporting just five charities, and today we work with 233,” Spencer Lawes, Food Sourcing Manager.

 “This growth has been matched by an increase in our supplier network; we now receive, on average, 40 tonnes of surplus food every month.

“In our last financial year, we saved 400 tonnes of food from going to waste. The equivalent of about 1,200 kilograms every day we operate, which is equivalent to 2,850 meals per day.”

Crucially, Oxford Food Hub saves more than just food. Everyday essentials like toothpaste, toiletries, and even flowers often become surplus, especially at one-off events.

These items are also just as vital for both the charities they support and people in poverty.

RIAT becomes the latest large-scale event to team up with the organisation, with Spencer and his team taking donations on Sunday 20th July.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with RIAT this year,” he added “It’s such an amazing event, and we’re thrilled to be supporting their sustainability journey. It’s fantastic to see institutions like RIAT taking action on food waste.

 “The RIAT team clearly has a focus on reducing the event’s food waste. We love working with people as passionate about reducing food waste as we are.”

To learn more about Oxford Food Hub, visit oxfordfoodhub.org.