Surplus curry initiative fundraises for a van

Sâmân Jamshidifard currently uses his electric car to deliver food

A community ambassador has said he hopes expanding his surplus curry initiative he can help "address food insecurity".

Sâmân Jamshidifard already serves surplus food in two parts of Oxford, but is looking to raise £40,000 for a van that would allow him to deliver meals to more areas.

He started the initiative in Botley before also setting up in Wood Farm in January.

Mr Jamshidifard said the van would be used "to serve every single day of the week by going into our most struggling neighbourhoods".

“We need the food to be given out – going around different locations and hand it out to whoever needs," he said.

Mr Jamshidifard said he would like to serve the food in neighbourhoods just like the ice cream van pantry in Liverpool.

At first he asked Oxford City Council for a van but was told that would cause "liability issues".

"I will sell my personal car to add to the target of £40,000 for the electric van plus modifications," he said.

Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing and communities, said the city council "values the importance of community-led support initiatives and is keen to support these groups".

"The council runs an electric community van which groups and charities can rent to carry out their vital work," she added.

Ms Smith also said that the Community Impact Grant Fund would start accepting new applications at the end of August.

But Mr Jamshidifard said the council van, which is open for rental between more than 200 groups, could not be used for that purpose as he needed a full-time van.

"I don't qualify for any grants because I'm not a charity CEO," he added.

'Kindness'

Mr Jamshidifard is already serving surplus food on Botley Road and in Wood Farm in Oxford

Volunteers and residents who use the service have highlighted the difference it has been making.

"I support and cook meals for my elderly mother every day. Thanks to the surplus curry each Friday, I get a break," said Oliver from Botley.

"However, it's much more than that, not just a meal but a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community."

Another resident, Katherine from Wolvercote, said that for some people "it's the only home-cooked, personal-touch meal they get all week."

Volunteer James Hart, from Wantage, said that along with the food, the project provided residents "with a service of kindness".