Islamic Relief UK and Cambridge Central Mosque help people struggling to feed themselves

As families in Cambridge continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic, Islamic Relief UK supported Cambridge Central Mosque to provide a substantial supply of dry foodstuffs to a dozen food hubs, as well as distributing dry food packs for hundreds of vulnerable individuals over the winter period.

This was part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK involving partners across the country distributing thousands of food packs to those most in need.

In the past five years, Cambridge has been identified as the most unequal city in the United Kingdom[1], yet people tend not to think of poverty as an issue in Cambridge. The reality is that food poverty has been an issue long before the Covid-19 pandemic, which in turn has only made it worse.

Cambridge has seen a stark rise in families needing financial assistance and help with food including the homeless, low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves and many prioritising eating or heating as they struggle to pay their bills.

Cambridge Central Mosque worked through local partners to help bring urgently needed relief to families. Food packs were distributed by Islamic Relief UK and Cambridge Central Mosque on Saturday 29 January and Monday 31 January.

An experienced team of Cambridge Central Mosque’s volunteers packed and distributed the food packs for families in and around Cambridge. Teams from Jimmy’s Cambridge and Cambridge Sustainable Food collected items from Cambridge Central Mosque and distributed it to food hubs and within Modular Homes for built to support living for people who have been experiencing homelessness in Cambridge.

The food packs contained a combination of essential items such as canned soups, vegetables, oil, rice, pasta, lentils and pulses, salt, tinned tomatoes and much more.

“We are honoured to be able to help the most vulnerable in our local community at a time of tremendous need. The pandemic has hit a lot of families very hard and many are struggling to make ends meet. “One may not realise the extent of poverty in Cambridge, but it’s our duty to look after those in need as best we can, and we are grateful to be able to work with partner organisations to fulfil that responsibility together.”

“We often see Cambridge as one the most affluent areas in the UK, but it seems that poverty has no limits to where it reaches. With the increasing cost of living and the devastating effects of the pandemic, families have been struggling financially and many are now in desperate need of help.  “Cambridge Central Mosque is playing a key role in the UK, not just as a leading light in sustainability and looking after the environment but also by reaching out to those in the community who need our help. We are proud to be working with the mosque to help people who are struggling to feed and keep themselves warm this winter.”

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Cambridge Central Mosque is a unique prayer space, fusing traditional & modern architecture with green credentials, reflecting Islam’s ideals of earth, soul, and community care. The building was designed by Marks Barfield Architects. More information about the building is available in this Media Pack.

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.