Food parcels to help those 'on the edge' of poverty

A charity said it would hand out 180 food parcels to help vulnerable families "on the edge" of poverty.

Islamic Relief said the lifeline packages would be distributed to those in need who attended the Chelmsford Muslim Society's base in Essex on Friday.

The effort has been planned in line with Eid al-Adha, or the 'Festival of the Sacrifice', which is celebrated by millions of people worldwide.

Abdulla Almamun, UK programmes manager at the charity, said many people were "at a point of crisis" and needed support.

In the Muslim faith, the period of Qurbani reflects the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of God.

As part of the period, an animal is sacrificed and its meat is then distributed to those most in need.

Mr Almamun said alongside the 180 food packs being handed out in Essex, a further 200kg (31st) of Qurbani meat would be given out.

"The current crisis of cost of living - with the increased rent, rates and bills - is impacting us more than ever," he told the BBC.

"Households in Essex are worried about their food bills and the rising cost of energy."

Mr Almamun said his colleagues were "grateful to support everyone and anyone, regardless of their faith or background".

The food packs would mostly consist of dry foods, such as pasta and rice, as well as tinned goods like sardines.

"Organisations like ours... are really the last line of defence in trying to support the most vulnerable," he added.

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