Thanks to the votes of local Tesco shoppers, hundreds of people in Oxfordshire struggling with homelessness and unemployment will soon receive a helping hand from employment and housing charity Aspire Oxfordshire. 

Tesco’s “Stronger Starts” scheme saw customers in Oxford and Witney vote for one of three local good causes in-store from February to April 2025 – with the highest-voted good cause in each store receiving £1,500. In the voting period, Aspire received the most votes in both Oxford and Witney – securing a total of £3,000.

Half of the funding will help Aspire to create a much-needed new community larder in central Oxford. The larder will provide food, community support and work experience opportunities for Aspire clients.

The remaining £1,500 will go towards Aspire’s Youth Hub in Witney, funding English and Maths tuition to help young clients gain qualifications and overcome barriers to employment, training, and housing.

Tesco’s “Stronger Starts” – previously known as Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants – has already provided over £115 million in funding to more than 65,000 projects across the UK to date.

Nicci Marzec, Chief Executive of Aspire Oxfordshire, said of the double win: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this incredible support from Tesco’s “Stronger Starts” scheme and our local communities in Oxford and Witney.  This funding will be instrumental in empowering people to overcome challenges such as financial hardship - while providing transformative opportunities through education and work experience to build brighter futures.  From establishing a community larder in Oxford to supporting young people in Witney through education and work experience, we’re committed to facilitating lasting change for those who need it most.”