As families in London continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic, Islamic Relief UK is supporting Sufra NW with over £13,000 to help almost 3,000 recipients with winter food packs on Thursday 13 January.

Sufra NW is already providing food via a food bank to some of the most vulnerable people in the area and has seen a stark increase in the numbers that they are providing food for – with a 332% increase over the last year.

Based in St. Raphael’s Estate, Brent’s most disadvantaged neighbourhood, Sufra NW’s Community Hub provides a life-line for people in crisis – including families living in extreme poverty and people who are vulnerable, homeless and socially isolated.

They provide people with the food and support they urgently need to survive, empower them to learn new skills, improve their wellbeing, and help them find work and become financially stable.

Many people have been hit hard by the pandemic, 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.

To help some of the most vulnerable, food packs will be distributed by Islamic Relief UK and Sufra NW on Thursday 13 January via its foodbank.

The food packs will contain enough store cupboard staples and toiletries to last 7 days, and will be supplemented by fresh fruit, vegetables and bakery items.

Director of Sufra NW London, Rajesh Makwana said:
“The ongoing impact of Covid-19 alongside the cost-of-living crisis has created a perfect storm this winter, pushing countless more families into poverty.
“Working with Islamic Relief UK has been a godsend – enabling us to reach many more people at a critical time of year when they need us most.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said:
“Sufra NW is doing vital work in the community to help those in need. We are proud to be working with them to deliver much-needed relief to families during these winter months.

“The need to help people not just with food but the skills required to find work and other support is a crucial model that Sufra NW is providing.

“The increasing levels of poverty and financial hardship that people are facing in the UK is unacceptable. This should not be happening in one of the richest countries in the world.”