In 2013-14 food banks fed 913,138 people nationwide. Of those
helped, 330,205 were children. Rising food and fuel prices, static
incomes, under-employment and changes to benefits are some of the reasons why
increasing numbers of people are being referred to food banks for emergency
help.
Darnall Forum and Sheffield Muslim Community Forum are
working alongside local residents to launch the S9 Food Bank Appeal. Please
pledge your support.
Gifts of food will be
collected on our behalf by Living Waters, who work
with the Burngreave Food Bank and
the Trussell Trust to
provide a local food bank service in Darnall.
The idea
of getting the local Muslim community involved in the food bank phenomenon came
from an Asian Taxi driver living in Darnall. He wanted to do something
positive in the community to improve community cohesion and to counteract the
negative media bias about Muslims. Local people hope this project will show
Muslims and Christians in a positive light, especially as they are working
together to support people in need.
Darnall
Forum’s community organiser Zahira Naz says, “I contacted Sheffield Muslim Community
Forum as they had already done something similar to support the S2 Foodbank
appeal. They were happy to support us, alongside Sheffield Asian Media Forum.”
Zahira left food boxes at the Subud Centre, Darnall Forum, Darnall
Post Office, Orchid Hair and
Beauty, S9 Communications and Rassam’s and they have been filling up. She
says, “Local businesses have been happy to support us.”
Darnall’s local ward councillors are also supporting this project.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, who is involved in the Food Poverty Strategy for
Sheffield, says, ‘It’s a wonderful idea.’
He will be helping Zahira and other volunteers to collect food and
other urgently needed grocery items outside the Bangla Bazaar on Staniforth
Road, from 11am till 3pm on Saturday 7 November.
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