Leeds single mum tells of struggle to feed family during Ramadan

Berlin Mirre, 35, says she has been forced to rely on food parcels

A single mother-of-five from Leeds has said she is "trying her best to be strong" as she struggles to feed her children during Ramadan.

Berlin Mirre's children are aged between three and 15, and she has turned to a community charity for help.

Give a Gift, based in Harehills, estimates the number of people needing help has increased by 65% this year.

Ms Mirre, who is receiving weekly food parcels, told the BBC: "It's not easy but we are coping."

Ms Mirre, who works part-time as a cleaner, said she was particularly thankful for pricier items like oil that she uses to prepare Iftar - the fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan.

She said she felt the financial strain because she had to prepare multiple meals as some of her children were not fasting.

And when Eid falls on 11 April it is expected that they will wear new clothes and shoes.

Ms Mirre's children range from ages three to 15

Ms Mirre, 35, who got divorced four years ago, said: "It's hard when the kids ask for things other kids have.

"I work 16 hours per week but it's not enough.

"When we celebrate Eid the kids need new clothes and new shoes and it's hard when you don't have money."

She added: "But thanks to Give a Gift we are doing better."

According to new research by Asda, nearly one in five Muslims plan to spend between £20 and £30 less on food per week than in 2023 and 36% said they would have to buy cheaper ingredients.

Give a Gift Director Rifhat Malik said the number of people needing help was unprecedented

Give a Gift director Rifhat Malik said: "We seem to be getting more and more people for food and vouchers.

"In the last few weeks we have had 20 new referrals.

"It's unprecedented."

Give a Gift is also the Cultural Food Hub for East Leeds - an initiative that ensures disadvantaged communities are getting "culturally appropriate food on a weekly basis".

Its mission is to "alleviate poverty" and Ms Malik said she hoped pressures would "come down" after Ramadan but she "doesn't see that happening".

Give a Gift has so far helped more than 1,300 people and delivered more than 4,500 food parcels.