West Ham United Foundation and Islamic Relief UK team up to help some of the most vulnerable families in London

On Thursday 31 March, Islamic Relief UK partnered with West Ham United Foundation to distribute 500 essential food packs to vulnerable people including the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees and women who have suffered domestic abuse.

As the UK endures its worst cost of living crisis in three decades, many people have also been hit hard. Low-income families, victims of domestic abuse, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves are now being forced to prioritise eating or heating as they struggle to pay their bills.

To help some of the most vulnerable, boxes were packed with essentials and delivered to 13 individual schools in East London and Essex, three homeless shelters, two refugee organisations and one food bank.

The food packs contained store cupboard essential such as cereal, pasta, rice, lentils, beans, pulses, tinned food as well as toiletries.

“These packs will provide those most in need with essential items. We work across some of the most struggling communities and we’re pleased to partner with Islamic Relief UK on this, as we continue to respond to local need and be a source of support for the individuals, families and communities we serve.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to be working with West Ham United Foundation to reach out to some of the most vulnerable in London. This cost of living is devastating families’ lives and many have been struggling financially.  We thank West Ham United Foundation for their amazing efforts to help those in need, their kindness will help many families.”

Food packs were delivered to BSix Sixth Form College, Oasis Academy Silvertown, Robert Clack, Jo Richardson, Brentwood County, Hathaway, Beauchamps High School, Great Baddow High School, Woodlands School, Cleves, St Lukes, Snaresbrook, Whitechapel Mission, Caritas Anchor House, Jesuit Refugee Service UK, The Renewal Project, Newham Foodbank, Friend of East London and Essex Homeless.

With poverty levels in the UK increasing, Islamic Relief UK also distributed food parcels during the winter across the country with 17 different partners.

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The West Ham United Foundation is the football club’s community outreach vehicle. The Foundation is responding to local need, uniting our community and providing an environment for all to thrive, across more than 30 ground-breaking outreach initiatives. These span Health, Community, Football Development, Learning and Employability; reaching up to 50,000 people annually, from the heart of East London.

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.