LBTV A Force for the community…
Emdad Rahman
The Masjid Al Falah & Fatima Foodbank have been working in a coalition, providing essentials to needy, the elderly and vulnerable people within the Redbridge East London.
Apart from this the coalition serve the whole community and have received regular referrals from Social Services, Children Services and Redbridge local borough council.
The mission as a community is to support all people in the neighbourhood irrespective of race or religion.
Mr Iqbal Sheikh, a senior trustee at Masjid Al-Falah who originally started this project with Fatima, said, “it is an absolute pleasure to be working alongside Fatima Foodbank and Foisol Uddin for this heart-warming project and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help those in need.”
Food Banks in London are on the rise, and many people are struggling to meet basic living costs which is an increasing concern.
Masjid Al-Falah & Fatima Foodbank hastily convened to set up an outreach programme. Recently support was received via food parcels and winter warmth packs via The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, as well as Islamic Relief.
Food is a fundamental human right, nonetheless in today’s society, several are deprived of such necessities which is immensely devastating.
This puts enormous pressure on Food Banks which have encountered a significant surge during the global pandemic, with new households added every week.
Fatima Food Bank aren’t just limited to providing food items but several essentials for everyday life.
Little Fatima, who is the driving force of this food bank, is continuously striving to meet the demand of the families.
A very happy Fatima said: “this is a very rewarding and noble cause which I am proud to be a part of. We work with immense compassion and I have great love for the work we do!”
Fatima Foodbank supports 120 families a month and deliver at a high frequency of between one to two weeks to each family. This provides a reliable service beneficiaries can depend upon.
Foisol Uddin who has been helping with the food bank on behalf of Masjid Al-Falah added: “the response from the community has been overwhelming, which I am very appreciative for. The support from the community has been ongoing.”
“We will provide food and basic personal and household hygiene items to the value of £20, however during Ramadan this year we will be including dates, meat and chicken which will cost extra.
“Thank you so much for all that you have done especially during the lockdown. You have made such a difference to so many families where we live in the Loxford area.
Comment from recipient:
“The food box has helped me very much, and I am now able to save money. My baby and I are able to enjoy home cooked meals. Thank you!”
