Food charity loses thousands of meals after flooding

Thousands of meals destined for local charities have been lost due to damage to a Didcot warehouse caused by flooding in the wake of Storm Bert.

SOFEA, which sends out meals to around 80 community organisations from surplus food donations, said it meant around 2,500 people were affected.

The organisation, based at the Trident Business Park in Didcot, said 15 tonnes of donated food had to be disposed of at a local food waste centre.

Heavy rainfall during Storm Bert caused widespread flooding across Oxfordshire last month, damaging properties and closing schools.

The charity also provides a space for school-age children who have fallen out of mainstream education to have lessons.

But flood damage means it is unlikely to reopen before the new year.

Anthony Leonard, SOFEA's director of operations, said the loss of the space has occurred at a "crucial" time of year when some students are at their most vulnerable.

"Christmas and Easter is when we start to make progress [with the students] because they realise we are going to see it through, and we are going to help them."

A nearby community centre is now providing a temporary replacement space for the children who were being supported with their learning.

But a programme to support other children with behavioural needs has been paused because of the damaged space.

Mr Leonard said there was a real risk of those children being suspended or excluded from school without their support.

"Not being able to help these children is really difficult," he said.

The charity also helps young people learn practical skills and provides work experience to help them find jobs and pays them the Oxford Living Wage.

But a kitchen used to train young people in culinary skills has been particularly badly damaged by the floods.

"Unfortunately the water got underneath the floor, so we've got to take everything out to replace it," Mr Leonard said.

It is hoped the educational space will reopen in time for the start of term in early January.

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