We are delighted to announce that Magdalen College School has won a Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Award in the category of ‘Giving Something Back’ in recognition of our work at Rose Hill Community Larder.

 

 

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA), the Larder aims to provide access to nutritious, healthy and affordable food while reducing waste. In term time, the Larder is staffed by Sixth Form pupils on their Community Service Organisation placement alongside MCS teaching and support staff colleagues. During the school holidays, the Larder continues to operate thanks to the support of pupils, parents and staff.

 

 

Based at the Rose Hill Community Centre Social Club, the Larder enables members, almost all of whom are local residents, to choose grocery items and collect fresh fruit and vegetables which would otherwise go to waste. Upon joining, members also receive a free hessian bag, menu planner and recipe cards.

In the last year, the Larder has expanded the range of goods and services it provides to its members. For example, a new partnership established with the Oxfordshire Hygiene Bank provides personal care items to members. Other Larder partners include Achieve Oxfordshire, Veg Power and Project LEO – Transforming Energy in Rose Hill.

 

 

Dr Scott Crawford, Deputy Head (Education Development) said: “We are thrilled to witness the transformative power of our community larder project. Through our collective efforts, we have not only saved over 20 tonnes of food from ending up in landfills but have also created a vital hub, guiding our larder members towards sources of support and opportunities. Volunteers offer more than just food—they offer a friendly face, empathy, and a listening ear. It’s a remarkable project and one we’re very proud of.”

"We are thrilled to witness the transformative power of our community larder project"

Dr Scott Crawford, Deputy Head (Education Development)

MCS was also a Finalist for a Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Award in the category of ‘Originality in Teaching Music and the Arts’ for Birdland, an acclaimed community opera for children.

 

 

We extend our thanks to Muddy Stilettos for recognising the MCS community’s hard work and dedication with this award. For more information about the Rose Hill Community Larder, please visit our website and for the latest news, see the Facebook page.