Islamic Relief UK and North Paddington Food Bank teamed up to help some of the most vulnerable in London after Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK supported North Paddington Food Bank to help over 200 households with food and essential items on Friday 22 July 2022, as families in London continue to struggle financially due to the rising cost of living.

This was part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK involving 19 partners across the country to deliver food packs, Qurbani (1) meat and Eid gifts to coincide with the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (2).

North Paddington Food Bank are reporting that out of 2081 households they have supported since April, 30% have never used a foodbank before.

Many people have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis, including, low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves.

The food packs contained Qurbani meat alongside supermarket vouchers, providing each family the choice and dignity to choose and buy their own food.

Thomas Delap, Head of North Paddington Food Bank said “It’s fantastic to have the support of Islamic Relief UK. This partnership will bring hope and support to families living in Westminster at a time when unprecedented numbers of people are having to choose between eating and heating.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to be working with North Paddington Foodbank, who doing amazing work to help families struggling in London due to the rising cost of living.

“We hope to bring much needed help and relief to families after the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha.”

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;

1. Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God. In 2022, Qurbani distributions will aim to reach more people than ever before. After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need. https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/qurbani/
2. The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, when two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha) take place. Hajj in Islam is a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islam calendar. As Muslims, undertaking Hajj in Islam – is a spiritual duty, as long as they are financially, physically and emotionally able to do so. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In remembrance of his sacrifice and to help the poor and needy, Muslim give Qurbani.

About North Paddington Food Bank

The North Paddington Food Bank (NPFB) was established in 2014 and remains an independent food bank. We are a part of the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), which connects over 900 organisations that do not operate under the banner of larger charities, such as the Trussell Trust.

Our core offering is to support our residents in need with access to money advice, and emergency income in the form of supermarket food vouchers. Since moving to a ‘Cash First’ model at the start of November last year, it’s proved hugely popular, and we have been able to give people more control and dignity to choose and buy their own food.

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.