Islamic Relief UK and Masjid Alhikmah team up in Aberdeen to help struggling families with food packs

On Saturday 29 January, Islamic Relief UK partnered with Masjid Alhikmah to distribute 500 essential food packs to vulnerable people including the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees and women who have suffered domestic abuse.

Scotland has seen a stark rise in families needing financial assistance and help with food. According to the poverty and inequality commission, one in four children in Scotland (24%) and one in five working-age people (19%) are living in poverty.

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.

The food packs will contain 19 items including, rice, pasta, beans, alongside shampoo, toothpaste.

With poverty levels in the UK increasing, Islamic Relief UK has also been distributing food parcels across the country with different partners.

“The winter food drive is one of the biggest food distribution projects ever done by Masjid Alhikmah and through it we aim to help the most vulnerable in our community. “We plan to distribute up to 500 food packs to people of all backgrounds and faiths. Food brings people together and with this little help we wish to bring happiness to our fellow Aberdonians.”

“Islamic Relief UK is proud to be working side by side with Masjid Alhikmah to reach out to some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland. “We have heard devastating stories of families struggling to put food on the table, people have lost their jobs through the pandemic and the cost of living is pushing many towards food banks. “This winter, the work of Masjid Alhikmah will make a huge difference for many families and we thank them for their amazing efforts to help those in need.”

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A masjid for the remembrance of Allah (God) providing Islamic knowledge to the public and facilitating the development of the community (with emphasis on Muslim children and women)

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.