On Monday 16th January, Islamic Relief UK will partnered with the BFCitC Foodbank to distribute hundreds of essential food hampers to vulnerable families in Lancashire.
As the new year continues to see the cost of living crisis pushing families into poverty, Lancashire has seen an alarming rise in food insecurity and the need for financial assistance, fuelling the need for food banks.
A new report by the resolution foundation finds that there are large increases in people unable to afford essentials compared to the pre-pandemic period. In November 2022, 28 per cent (up from 9 per cent pre-pandemic) of adults say that they could not afford to eat balanced meals, and 11 per cent or 6 million adults (up from 5 per cent pre-pandemic) reported being hungry in the past month, but they didn’t eat as they lacked enough money to buy food.
These very alarming outcomes are more common among groups known to experience disadvantage. This includes low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees who were already struggling to feed themselves.
Many families in Lancashire have been hit hard by the pandemic and suffered a cold Winter of choosing whether to heat or eat.
To help some of the most vulnerable, hampers were packed with essential food and hygiene items by BFCitC staff and volunteers at the foodbank, before delivering to locations across the city.
The food packs contain essential items such as bread, pasta, tea, biscuits, oil, sugar and others.
Michael Colquhoun, Director of Community Projects at BFCitC, said: “We are delighted to work with Islamic Relief UK who undertake incredible work nationally and internationally helping the most vulnerable.
Our Foodbank operation at Burnley FC in the Community continues every day to help the local community, and the support from Islamic Relief UK is more than welcomed”.
Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to partner with Burnley FC to reach out to some of the most vulnerable in Burnley.
“This cost of living crisis continues to affect the lives of vulnerable families. Many will have suffered a difficult winter in choosing whether to heat their homes or put hot food on the table.
“We thank Burnley FC for their inspiring efforts in helping those in need and their generosity in partnering with Islamic Relief UK.
To find out how you can support the foodbank, please contact Nathan Norris: n.norris@burnleyfc.com
