19 Jan 2023 – The new year continues to see the cost of living crisis pushing families into poverty. In London, there has been an alarming rise in food insecurity, fuelling the need for foodbanks across the capital.

Many families are having to choose whether to heat or eat.

The East London Mosque partnered with Islamic Relief UK to distribute 500 essential food hampers to vulnerable families in East London this month.

Sufia Alam, Head of Programmes at the East London Mosque, said:

We have seen a 70 percent rise in residents registering at our foodbank. Families are struggling with the increasing cost of heating their homes and buying food. They really appreciate this additional support from Islamic Relief and the East London Mosque. We are pleased to receive the small grants that allow us to continue to serve the most vulnerable in our communities. This year we will also give out supermarket food vouchers so that people can buy essential food of their choice.

 Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said:

The scale of the crisis continues to unfold, so it is more important than ever to join hands in supporting those in need. We thank the East London Mosque for their generous support to the community. These foodbanks provide much needed relief during a challenging winter. We hope this will show the local community that they are not alone