Food parcel demand post Eid at highest, say helpers

Islamic Relief says an increasing number of people in the West Midlands are asking for food

A large charity which has its head office in Birmingham said it was seeing alarming numbers of people requesting food parcels.

Islamic Relief, which has been distributing food parcels and Eid presents for a few years in the region, has seen demand increase this year.

The charity traditionally send donations of Qurbani meat and other food to the most needy in countries such as Sudan and Pakistan amongst others.

But it said demand closer to home meant it was now redirecting some of the donations to people living across the West Midlands who are suffering from the cost of living crisis.

The distribution, which includes red meat named Qurbani meat, is done through community partnerships.

They started after the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha which fell on 16 June and can last up to three days.

The charity is distributing more than 6,000 food parcels across the country, and just under a quarter will be in Birmingham and surrounding areas.

The parcels are shared out via four community partnerships which include: Masjid Al-Falaah Mosque, Al Hijrah Mosque, Jami Mosque Birmingham and Birmingham Central Mosque food bank.

The first local distribution started on 22 June led by the Abrahamic Foundation in Smethwick.

One partner is Masjid Al Falaah, and general secretary Adil Parker said: "Demand for food parcels post Eid this year is higher then I ever remember.

"Put it this way, last year we distributed 200 parcels and it took us two days.

"Earlier this year during Ramadan we gave out another 200 food parcels and it only took 20 minutes.

"Even though we have 200 food parcels going out during this period, because of the high demand and cost of living, we will still be short of at least 150 packs for families in need."

'Need worsened'

In total, Islamic Relief and its four partners will be delivering more than 800 Eid gifts and 1,400 food parcels in the region over two weeks.

The director of Islamic Relief, Tufail Hussain said in a statement: "The month of Qurbani is a special time on the calendar for British Muslims and reminds us of our commitment to those less fortunate than us.

"Each year we donate food at Qurbani, we find ourselves having to give more and more, as the need has just exponentially worsened over the years."

He echoed Mr Parker's views that demand for food parcels in the region is high due to the cost-of-living.

Some mosques and community organisations are providing soup kitchens and food banks outside of the Eid period to ease the burden on those struggling to buy food.