Religions unite to fight food poverty

OLDHAM Muslims and Christians have got together to offer free meals to poverty-striken local people.

The UK Education and Faith Foundation (UKEFF) has joined Oldham’s Unitarian Chapel to offer food and support to those on low incomes. The support will go to those not considered eligible for government support but who are suffering anyway.

Nasim Ashraf, Chair of UKEFF, said: “The number of foodbanks in the UK has increased dramatically and more people are relying on them for their weekly food. We wanted to set this up to help local Oldham residents in food poverty some help.

“We also wanted to bring together Muslims, Christians and people of all religions as, at our core, we all want to do what we can for others. So far we’ve had mosques, churches, schools and businesses sign up to help out and we’re looking for even more to get involved.”

The project will run for a trial period from April 27 with food parcels, hot meals and advice at the King Street chapel’s One World Cafe. For more information contact Nasim Ashraf (UKEFF) on 07976333335. A meeting for interested volunteers takes place at the cafe on Sunday at 1pm