Muslim Aid supports UK food banks to combat cost-of-living in London borough

As part of the continuation of Muslim Aid’s flagship Feed The Fasting UK campaign, we partnered with Redbridge Islamic Centre to provide food parcels to participants of their Good Food Project which gives to locals in the London borough who have been hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

The project currently provides food parcels for 25 families per month and is trying to accommodate to more families on the waiting list. For families living in poverty, the money they receive from welfare goes to bills and rent, leaving them with little money to eat. The food parcels Muslim Aid funded contained staples that beneficiaries have requested such as rice, lentils and other nutritious staples with a long shelf life.

“Muslim Aid is a UK-based international NGO who provides aid and support to all those in need regardless of faith, colour, religion. We have been around for 39 years as the second-oldest British Muslim charity with a commitment to serving humanity”, says Ahmed Choudhury, Muslim Aid’s Fundraising and Volunteers Coordinator.

“This year, Muslim Aid has a high focus on UK projects, and the need for support in the UK is like never before. With the cost-of-living spiraling and more people turning to food banks more than ever, it is our responsibility as a charity, a community and individuals to support each other during these difficult times.”

In addition to food packs, Muslim Aid noticed that people are struggling to afford dignity products, to which we are considering.

“We have seen there is a demand for hygiene products such as sanitary products, toothpaste, face cream as well as good quality of clothes as people cannot afford to turn the heating on”, Ahmed explained after participating in the project on Sunday 5 August.

One of the beneficiaries, Louise, has been receiving food aid for seven years and says those who rely on food packs need a lot more to survive.

“People are in desperate need and the financial situation for so many has become a lot worse because of school holidays”, she says.

“Personally, I can’t afford to buy basics such as milk and bread, let alone toiletries and cleaning products which are just as important to me because it’s everyone’s right to live in a clean and healthy environment.”

Zulayha, a mother of five, says she has to decide whether she puts food on her kids’ tables or provides them with clothes and education material.

“I’ve been receiving help from the Good Food Project for three years now. My children can’t enjoy things such as fresh fruit and vegetables and I’ve been relying heavily on food banks to feed them”, she said.

Muslim Aid is aiming to diversify and increase its activities in the UK to fight the growing poverty across the country.

To interview Ahmed, contact Muslim Aid’s Comms and PR Manager, Diana Alghoul, on [email protected]