Islamic Relief UK and LFC Foundation join hands to help struggling families through the cost of living crisis

On Wednesday January 11, Islamic Relief UK partnered with LFC Foundation and the Liverpool Mosque Network to distribute 500 essential food hampers to vulnerable families in Liverpool.

The new year continues to see the cost of living crisis pushing families into poverty and Liverpool has seen an alarming rise in food insecurity and the need for financial assistance, fuelling the need for food banks. 

A new report commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority states that food insecurity is a significant problem faced by many families across the Liverpool City Region (LCR). Four out of the 6 boroughs (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens) are in the top 20% most deprived local authorities in England. 

The report also finds that the Liverpool City Region is home to half of England’s ten most deprived food ‘deserts’ which are defined as neighbourhoods served by two or fewer supermarkets meaning that households are forced to rely on smaller stores that are more costly. Food banks are also reporting a sharp decrease in donations as many people can no longer afford to donate

Many families in Liverpool have been hit hard by the pandemic and suffered a cold Winter of choosing whether to heat or eat. This includes low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves. 

To help some of the most vulnerable, hampers were packed with essential food items by LFC staff at Anfield, before delivery to community groups across the city.

The food packs contained essential food items such as pasta, rice, biscuits, tea and sugar amongst others to provide some relief to families feeling the bite. 

Matt Parish, LFC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “We know that the cost of living crisis continues to have a significant impact on many local people and families living in the communities we serve. 

We want to support those who are experiencing food poverty and by collaborating with Islamic Relief UK and the Liverpool Mosque Regions Network we can provide more essential food parcels to the most vulnerable.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with LFC to reach out to some of the most vulnerable in Liverpool.

“This cost of living crisis continues to affect the lives of vulnerable families. Many will have suffered a difficult winter in choosing whether to heat their homes or put hot food on the table.  

“We thank LFC for their inspiring efforts in helping those in need and their generosity in partnering with Islamic Relief UK for another year.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact:

Saeedah Haque: [email protected] 020 3148 3217

About LFC Foundation

The LFC Foundation is the official charity of Liverpool Football Club; delivering a range of programmes and partnerships to create life changing opportunities for children and young people in the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

The charity focuses its work on three key impact areas; wellbeing, skills and communities and delivers a variety of regular physical activity initiatives in Merseyside, including ‘Go Play’ free multi-sport sessions delivered in 15 local parks. It also works with the Premier League to implement programmes including Premier League’s Kicks and Primary Stars.

About Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired, development and humanitarian agency working to transform and save the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in over 40 countries. Islamic Relief assists people according to need and does not discriminate in any way.

Set up in Birmingham in 1984 by a group of volunteers, we have assisted over 117 million people all over the world. We’re saving lives and empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty in over 40 countries – from Bangladesh to Bosnia, Pakistan to Palestine, Kenya to Kosovo. Islamic Relief is on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places – including Syria and Yemen – strengthening the most marginalised communities to withstand conflict and natural disasters and to build a brighter future. We also support vulnerable people in the UK in partnership with local charities and organisations.