Islamic Relief UK supported Newham Community Project to help over 400 people with food and essential items on 9 January 2024, as destitute families with no recourse to public funds continue to struggle financially due to the rising cost-of-living.

This is part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK involving 28 partners across the country to deliver food packs, as families struggle with one of hardest times of year, with rising food and fuel costs.

Newham Community Project is reporting that as the cost of living continues to rise sharply, the use of their food bank has more than doubled. Many families are struggling to afford necessities and are increasingly relying on community support for essential food and toiletries. The increase in private rental, groceries, and other essentials has stretched household budgets to the limit, leading to a surge in demand for assistance from food banks. Newham Community Project serves families with no recourse to public funds who cannot claim government benefits and struggle with daily living costs.

The Project also provides essential supplies for babies and toddlers, such as formula milk and diapers. Inadequate nappy changes have led to numerous cases of babies being hospitalised, as severe nappy rashes have led to the need for urgent medical attention. This highlights the pressing need for effective solutions to address the underlying issues causing financial strain for so many.

Elyas Ismail, Chief Operating Officer, Newham Community Project said: “I’m deeply concerned about the sharp rise in our food bank usage, reflecting the harsh reality of families struggling through this cost of living crisis, which continues at an alarming rate.

“Those with no recourse to public funds face everyday challenges in affording daily necessities. Our commitment to serving these vulnerable families highlights the urgent need for assistance.
“The support provided by Islamic Relief UK is crucial in helping these families navigate the challenges brought about by the rising cost-of-living. Collaborative efforts between organisations and community members play a significant role in addressing such issues and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.

“We must work together to find effective solutions and alleviate the financial strain many in our community face.”

Zia Salik, deputy director, Islamic Relief UK said: “Winter is often the hardest time of the year for vulnerable people in society. But now with the cost-of-living crisis so brutally affecting many across the country, this time of the year has grown colder still. Even more people have been pushed into vulnerability and those already there pushed deeper into poverty. Many families now must choose between food and fuel, not being able to afford to keep their children both warm and fed.

“But despite this, hope is not frozen, and thanks to the amazing generosity of our community who still give what they can, even in the hardest of times when money is scarce, the days seem to be getting brighter. It’s only thanks to the community’s brilliant response that we’re able to launch this winter food drive to bring food to struggling families.

“Newham Community Project is doing amazing work for the community and we are thankful to them for partnering with us and helping those in need.

“We now call on those with power to do something about this crisis. The government can and should take measures to help by reviewing the faltering benefits system and bringing back the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.”