TARAJI ROM | Founder | Community Transformation Leader

Behind every great larder is a woman with a big idea (and probably an even bigger to-do list 😂) As part of our new series designed to introduce you to the brilliant humans who make The Banbury Larder what it is, we couldn’t think of a better place to start than with the powerhouse who dreamed it into life ✨ Meet our founder, Taraji 💫 What started as her dream to create a warm, welcoming space with community at its heart, has grown into the larder you know and love today. When she’s not juggling a million things at once, you’ll probably find her with a strong coffee in hand and a new idea already brewing. ☕💡 We couldn’t be prouder to introduce you to our founder, take it away T: “I moved to Banbury about five years ago and, as I got to know the community, I saw the need for more support. The Larder began through the No Limits programme, which helps people back into education, employment, or training, and has grown into a place of hope, dignity, and connection. Community is everything to me, and I believe we are stronger when we do things together. Beyond the Larder, I also lead on co-production work across Oxfordshire, making sure that people with lived experience have a voice in shaping services, and I work through the CRG to help influence policies on a wider scale. I’m a mum of two who loves new experiences and adventures with my family. At the heart of it all, my passion is simple: to see people thrive. 💚” #thebanburylarder #meettheteam #femalefounders #communityfirst #oxfordshire #banburyshireinfo #community #foodwastewarriors #reducingfoodwaste

At The Banbury Larder, it’s the people who make this place feel like home. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the faces (and stories) behind the larder you love. 💛 And where better to begin than with the woman who started it all? 👀 Meet Taraji, our inspiring founder ✨ Coming to your feed very soon… #thebanburylarder #meettheteam #communityfirst #banbury #oxfordshire #banburyshireinfo #femalefounders

From Carrying buckets of water to Being Showcased at a Train Station 🚉✨ I never imagined that my journey—from a little girl carrying buckets of water on my head—to today, where my story is being displayed at Banbury Rail Station in collaboration with @chilternrailway and @banburybid Banbury BID, and how @thebanburylarder started would be something to celebrate. This isn’t just about me—it’s about community, resilience, and the power of showing up for others. Every step of this journey has been filled with hard work, faith, and incredible people who have made it possible. It’s a reminder that when you walk in your purpose and serve others, doors open in ways you never expected. Along the way, I’ve met amazing individuals like @tilarodriguezpast from @bridge_street_community_garden who creates a safe and welcoming space for the community to connect with nature, learn new skills, and grow fresh produce. And so many others who are making a real difference every day! A huge thank you to @sambennettportrait for capturing these beautiful shots. Each portrait includes a QR code linking to a short film by Phil Stanley, sharing how 17 individuals are making an impact in the community. Grateful to @banburybid for including me in this project and to @chilternrailway for supporting such meaningful work. This is just the beginning! 🎥 Here’s the link to the video: https://youtu.be/zPy-0asKdUk?si=yA7P4XZTljUN-Ta0 (LINK IN BIO) God’s work, our hands. 🙌🏾✨ #BanburyLarder #CommunityImpact #servingothers #FaithJourney #ChilternRailway #BanburyBID #Grateful #GodDidThis #purposedrivenwoman #makingadifferencetogether #BridgeStreetGarden #strongertogether💪 #thisisjustthebeginning #thebanburylarder

What. A. Night. 🙌🏽💚 Our Comedy Night was nothing short of incredible. A whole lot of laughter filled the room and an amazing amount raised that will go directly towards supporting people in Banbury. While we’re still confirming the final total, we already know the impact will be huge and we can’t wait to share that with you very soon ✨ A massive thank you to our phenomenal comedians who truly went all out for us and for this night. Big up @mattrichardson3 @marcel.lucont @alexisdubuscomedy @ryanmoldcomedy @aaronwilliams734 @mackenziepike_comedy @aticstandupcomedy Your generosity, talent and support meant more to us than we can put into words. Huge thanks to @themillartscentre for being so brilliant and for hosting us in your wonderful theatre! The perfect home for such a special evening 🎭 A special shout out to @ryanmoldcomedy , who helped us put the whole night together. We genuinely couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you to @manny.moment , our photographer, for capturing the night so beautifully! Memories we’ll treasure for a long time. And a special shout out to @tarajirom , founder of The Banbury Larder 🌿 without her vision, heart and determination, none of this would have happened in the first place. And lastly, thank you! the people of Banbury. For showing up, laughing with us, and coming together to support our organisation. Because of you, more people in our town won’t have to choose between heating and eating. That impact is real, and it’s thanks to this community. We’re so grateful. So proud. And still smiling. 💛 #thebanburylarder #standupcomedy #comedyfundraiser #banbury #oxfordshire

🎤✨ Tickets for our comedy night fundraiser are officially LIVE! Banbury 🌟 it’s officially time to stop doomscrolling and start solidifying festive plans 🌟 We’ve got you covered for the 21st of December because tickets are ON SALE for our comedy night fundraiser, and your good mood is practically guaranteed. It also means you now have something to look forward to that isn’t laundry, emails, or quietly panicking about adulthood. “Stand Up For The Community” is a show bringing together top-tier talent, a brilliant audience, and a cause that truly matters: The Banbury Larder. An organisation created to support the people of Banbury during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The Banbury Larder is here to make sure no one goes unseen. Whether through our Community Supermarket, Connection Café, Job Club, or various other community projects 🌿 With invaluable support from @ryanmoldcomedy and @themillartscentre , and our brilliant line-up, we’re thrilled to welcome an outstanding bunch of comedy whirlwinds, including: 🎤 @mattrichardson3 (Nevermind The Buzzcocks, Celebrity Juice) 🎤 @marcel.lucont (Russell Howard’s Good News, The John Bishop Show) 🎤 @ryanmoldcomedy 🎤 @aaronwilliams734 🎤 @missgracemiller 🎤 @mackenziepike_comedy This is more than just a night of laughs, it’s a rare chance to see your support directly impact the community around you. Come along with friends, sponsor a seat for someone who might not be able to afford it, or simply enjoy a night knowing every giggle helps someone in Banbury. Tickets are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Secure yours from TODAY and join us for an evening of laughter, heart, and community spirit at its very best! Tickets available at: /shows/stand-up-for-the-community/ #thebanburylarder #comedy #standupforthecommunity #banbury #standupforacause #comedynight #livecomedy #fundraiser #comedyfundraiser #oxfordshireevents

Last week, we had the privilege of joining our founder, @tarajirom , as she spoke at the Oxfordshire Youth Conference 2025. A powerful gathering centred on Anti-Oppressive Practice. This year’s theme was more than a discussion point, it was a call to action. In a world where young people are navigating increasingly toxic cultures, harmful narratives, and systemic inequities, taking the time to focus on anti-oppressive practice isn’t optional, it’s essential. Taraji spoke candidly about growing up as an ethnic minority, navigating systems that weren’t designed with her in mind, and the resilience that journey demanded. She reflected on the unspoken expectations she faced, sharing: “I knew that if a white man worked at 100%, I would have to work at 150% just to be afforded the same opportunities.” She also spoke about her commitment to building a better, fairer world for her children and for every young person who deserves to grow up with confidence, safety, and limitless possibility. The day was filled with engaging talks, in-depth discussions, and opportunities for genuine collective action. At Banbury Larder, this work sits at the heart of our mission. We are committed to creating safer, more inclusive community spaces for everybody. We wanted to acknowledge the other incredible speakers including: @yasmin_sidhwa @mandala_theatre , Abi Bush, and Nicola Holmes-Brown. Your contributions reminded us why this work matters and that young people deserve environments where they can thrive, feel valued, and be their full selves without limitation. A huge thank you to @oxfordshireyouth for inviting us and for hosting such a meaningful day. We’re honoured to have been part of it and even more committed to integrating anti-oppressive practice into everything we do. If you’re a youth or community practitioner interested in learning more or seeking further training, make sure to give @oxfordshireyouth a follow and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming opportunities. #oxfordshireyouth #thebanburylarder #banbury #youthwork #equality #antioppression #community #oxfordshire

So incredibly special to Introduce camping, to my wonderful friend Taraji’s kids and their cousin, at the tail end of the summer hol’s. 🥰 Three fabulous days of adventure & discovery. I adored seeing the girls faces light up with every new experience. From their first campfire to kite flying 🏕️🔥🪁 #makingmemories #festivalvibes #schoolholidayadventures

Such a blessing to spend time with youth practitioners for an anti-racism workshop 💭✨. We laughed, we reflected, and had some real, honest conversations about what it means to challenge bias and create spaces where young people feel truly seen. I mean… I had to whizz through some slides because the discussions were so engaging and there was so much to say 😅 — but that’s the beauty of it. The goal is to get youth practitioners talking, leaning into the uncomfortable, and growing more confident in these conversations. Huge shout-out to @oxfordshireyouth for having me and creating space for this important work 🙌🏾💛. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary; and I’m grateful to be on this journey with others who care about making change. • • • • #AntiRacismEducation #EquityInAction #ChallengingBias #InclusionMatters #CultureShift #YouthPractitioners #YouthWorkersUK #YouthSupportNetwork #YouthLeadersInAction #EmpowerYouthVoices #ComfortInDiscomfort #ConversationsThatMatter #ChangeCulture #LeadWithPurpose #ActionOverWords #YouthEmpowerment #InclusivePractice #CreatingChange #antiracismo

It’s never too early to care for the place we call home 💕 At The Banbury Larder, we believe community isn’t just something we build for the next generation, it’s something we build WITH them 🌿 We spoke to local children about why helping others matters, and their words show that care, compassion, and connection truly start at any age💛 The ultimate reminder that it takes all of us, young and old, to create a world where we all look out for each other ✨💫🫶🏽 #thebanburylarder #banburyshire #communitysupport #banbury #banburyshireinfo #oxfordshire #supportlocal #communitylove #communitymatters #togetherwecan #kindnessinaction #strongertogether #smallactsbigimpact #ittakesavillage #bethechange

What better way to round off a weekend of celebrating brilliant, powerful women than with the Lionesses bringing football home?! 🎊🎊🎊 From raising glasses to raising trophies 🏆 here’s to the strength, spirit, and unstoppable force of women everywhere! 🦁🏆✨ #lionesses #winningweekend #womenwinning #Banbury #thebanburylarder #banburyshire #communitysupport #banburyunitedwomen #womensfootball #banburyunited #banburyshireinfo #supportlocal #communitylove

CELEBRATING THE UNDERESTIMATED, UNDENIABLE, UNMATCHED POWER OF WOMEN ✨ with the incredible @timewithnatalie @tarajirom @banburyunitedwomen 🎊 A Saturday well spent empowering the awesome women of Banbury and it doesn’t end there! Banbury United Women are inviting you to an unforgettable day of football, fun and celebration at The Spencer Stadium tomorrow! (Sunday 27 July 2025) and The Banbury Larder will be joining in on the fun 🎊 It’s all part of the FA’s BIG Football Day campaign ⚽️ 🥅 With the Women’s Euro Final taking place that evening, @banburyunitedwomen are making a day of it and The Banbury Larder couldn’t be prouder supporters. Starting with a football taster session, followed by a preseason match featuring Banbury United Women, and wrapping up with a lively Watch Party in the clubhouse as we cheer on the Lionesses (or finalists) together! 🎉🎊 Here is what’s happening: 1:30pm - Football Taster Session Try it out, have fun and get a feel for the game - open to all ages and abilities. 2:30pm - Banbury United Women Pre-Season Match Watch our women’s squad in action as they gear up for the new season with an exciting in-house game! 5:00pm - The BIG Watch 5:00pm - The BIG Watch Party Head into the Clubhouse as we screen the Women’s Euro Final - with music, food and good vibes guaranteed! It’s a full-on family day out with something for everyone - and it’s free! So grab your friends, bring the whole family and let’s fill the Spencer Stadium with energy, excitement and community spirit 🎊 We can’t wait to see you all there! #womensempowerment #thebanburylarder #womensfootball #banburyunitedwomen #banburyunited #womensupportingwomen #womeninsport #foodwastewarriors

🔆 Ladies of Banbury! This one is for YOU! 🔆 We’re teaming up with Banbury United Women for an EPIC Women’s Empowerment Workshop and we do not want you to miss out! 🎊 With: ✨ An inspiring guest speaker ✨ Wellness & wellbeing insights ✨ Interactive workshops ✨ Networking that actually works This is the ultimate moment to connect and grow 🌿 Tag your girl gang and save the date! 🥳🫶🏽🎉 We can’t wait to see you! ⏱️ 10am - 12pm 📍 Waitrose, Southam Rd, Banbury, OX16 2FN 👊🏽 #EmpowerBanbury #WomenSupportingWomen #BanburyUnited #LevelUpLadies #TheBanburyLarder #BanburyUnited #BanburyUnitedWomen #oxfordshire #BanburyshireInfo