As families in London continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic, Islamic Relief UK is working with East London Mosque to distribute 500 winter food packs to some of the most vulnerable in the city.

The food packs support families facing hardship because of cuts to universal credit, losing their jobs due to Covid-19 and increased pressures due to high energy bills.

The food packs will also support the homeless and refugee families living in local hotels where healthy snacks and fruits are limited.

The Mosque has seen a stark rise in families needing help with food.

Many people have been hit hard by the pandemic, including low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves and many prioritising eating or heating as they struggle to pay their bills.

To help some of these families, food packs were distributed by Islamic Relief UK and East London Mosque today, Tuesday 18 January.

The food packs contain non-perishable foods that they can make meals with.

Sufia Alam, Head of Programmes & Maryam Centre at the East London Mosque, said:
“As many vulnerable families struggle in the cold of winter, it’s important we reach out to all those in need in our communities. People have given Sadaqah (charity) generously to help those most in need, it’s heartening to see this to provide so many winter food packs.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said:
“Today’s Joseph Rowntree Foundation report shows 1.8 million children growing up in very deep poverty, even before the pandemic. This is deeply concerning and further highlights the crucial role played by food banks around the country. Poverty in the UK is speeding up at an alarming rate, and an increasing number of families are now relying on support from charities.

 “East London Mosque has a long history of helping families in desperate need in London. We are proud to be working with them to deliver food parcels to some of the most vulnerable, including the homeless. In these winter months, this will be much-needed relief.

“The mosque is a vital and strong support for the community and places a huge emphasis on one of the most important pillars of Islam, charity and helping those in need.”