Islamic Relief UK and the Federation of Muslim Organisations work together to help the most vulnerable in Leicester

As families in Leicester continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic and cost of living crisis, Islamic Relief UK supported the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) to help over 500 people with food packs on Wednesday 30 March. Young volunteers aged 11-16 volunteered their time at Madani School to pack essential food and items before they are distributed. The food packs support local vulnerable individuals and families, especially those who are homeless.

FMO have seen an increase in requests for support from individuals and families who face hardship because of cuts to universal credit, losing their jobs due to covid-19 and the pressures of higher cost of energy bills.

According to the University of Sheffield’s (2021) research into local food insecurity in Leicester, 3.67% of adults suffered from hunger, 11.46% struggled to access food and 12.10% worried about not having enough food.

Many people have been hit hard by the pandemic, 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 contain basic non-perishable staple foods such as rice, pasta, flour, oil as well as items like biscuits, tinned fruits etc.

“The Muslim community and particularly the Leicester Muslim community are renowned for their generosity and support for causes across the globe with Muslims raising over £33m last year. “We were keen to engage young people in this particular initiative as a way of reinforcing the good work now and into the future but also to highlight the fact that some of our own neighbours need help and support and it is vital that we respond to that need. “We are very grateful to Riyaz Laher, Executive Head at Madani Schools Federation who immediately came on board, providing a venue, the support of his team and most importantly involving young people.”

“It is a great honour for Madani Schools students to take part in this amazing charitable work; in these challenging times it is particularly pleasing to be supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. This charitable partnership has enabled us to provide our students with the opportunity to contribute to society as active citizens, inspired by our ethos values, working together to make the world a better place.”

“FMO is doing incredible work to help families who have been financially struggling in Leicester. “What is also inspirational is seeing such young volunteers at Madani School giving up their time to help others who are suffering. “We have seen the statistics showing 11.46% struggling to access food in the area and this is unacceptable. FMO’s efforts to help those in need will provide much-needed relief and we are proud of the partnership.”

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The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) was launched in 1983 to provide help and support for the Muslim communities in Leicester and Leicestershire and has had a long and positive working relationship with many private, public and voluntary sector organisations over the last 32 years.

A registered charity, the FMO has approximately 200 affiliates comprising mosques, charities and educational institutions amongst other organisations that adhere to the Islamic faith, The FMO has worked exhaustively on a whole range of projects covering such areas as education, housing, youth and social welfare in order to meet the needs of the Muslim community.

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.