Islamic Relief UK and Renaisi joined hands to provide food to vulnerable communities after Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK teamed with Renaisi to provide food and essential items for around 170 people on Tuesday 19 July.

Families in London continue to be impacted by the rising cost of living and Islamic Relief UK hope to provide support after the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The distribution formed part of a wider scheme organised by Islamic Relief UK with the support of 19 partners across the country who will actively distribute essential items and food as part of the Islamic holy month.

Eid lasts for a period of three days – starting on the 10th day of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah when Muslims donate Qurbani (1), meat to those in need and are encouraged to share food with neighbours.

According to figures from Muslim Census, 50% of Muslims are living in poverty in the UK, a proportion almost 5x higher than other groups. Furthermore, 70% of Muslims have either had their household expenses increase or stay the same (2).

In June 2022, government figures revealed that the cost of living has been increasing across the UK since early 2021. In May 2022, the annual rate of inflation was the highest it has been since 1982, affecting the affordability of everyday items for households.

Many people have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, especially low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, people who are homeless, asylum seekers and refugees. They continue to make difficult decisions between feeding themselves and their families or heating their homes.

The food packs will contain items such as dried and canned food, rice, oil, cereal, and flour. They will be distributed to participants on Renaisi’s Employment & Advice Service programmes, many of whom experience food insecurity alongside difficulties paying for rent, bills and other necessities.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “Grocery inflation, increases in energy prices, and fuel shortages are placing a huge pressure on already stretched budgets. We are honoured to work with Renaisi and hope that the food packs will ease the burden on those who are already struggling. The scale of the current cost of living crisis is alarming and it is important to work together to provide support to those in need.”

John Hitchin, CEO of Renaisi said: “We are grateful for Islamic Relief UK’s ongoing generosity and support. Working together in partnerships like this, enables Renaisi to offer holistic support to our customers so that they can access what they need to create a better life for themselves and their families.”

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.

2. https://muslimcensus.co.uk/financial-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-muslim-community/

3. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9428/

About Renaisi

Renaisi is a social enterprise that helps people and places to thrive.

Founded in 1998 to regenerate neighbourhoods in Hackney, East London, today we do three complementary things:

1. Support people to learn work and connect with their community.
2. Help organisations across the UK to understand and evaluate their impact on communities; and
3. Develop collaborative strategies for improving places.

Working directly with communities that are marginalised by society, the providers of services and the investors in communities gives us a unique perspective on how systems work and how to improve places fairly. Find out more at www.renaisi.com Follow us on Twitter (@Renaisi) or on LinkedIn.

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.