As cost-of-living crisis worsens, Islamic Relief UK and Masjid Al Falaah deliver food packs in Birmingham to struggling families as part of Qurbani

On Friday 5th June 2026, Islamic Relief UK and Masjid Al Falaah distributed food packs as part of Qurbani to vulnerable families and individuals affected by the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

In the evening food was also distributed at a homeless shelter. More people throughout the country are struggling with the cost-of-living, and pressure is starting to build up against local charities and foodbanks as demand rises.

According to Islamic Relief UK’s recent survey, over a quarter (28%) of their local partners have had to turn people away as they cannot keep up with the intensifying demand. Now with the added impact of the Middle East crisis, the economic situation will only further push more families into poverty.

Qurbani takes place during one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, as Muslims across the UK donate what they can to those struggling to afford food for their families. This year, Islamic Relief is working partners throughout the UK, in cities such as London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, Burnley, Cambridge, Glasgow, Exeter and more, and will be working with local charities, food banks, mosques and football clubs to deliver for those who need it most.

Adil Parkar, General Secretary of Masjid Al Falaah said: "Things are getting worse. We are getting nearly double the amount of people coming to us for help compared to last year. 

“I am struggling to comprehend how bad things are getting; families have told me that they have not eaten in days. This is completely unacceptable.

“Working with Islamic Relief we aim to bring some relief to families who have been struggling.” Nadeem Baqir, UK programme manager for Islamic Relief UK said: “We are proud to be working with Masjid Al Falaah to help families in Birmingham.

“This Qurbani should be a time for us all to reflect on the most vulnerable. Far too many families across the country are struggling with the cost of food, and too often we hear reports from our local partners about parents who must go without to make sure their children can eat.

“But at the same time, we can see communities pulling together and looking after each other, just like our wonderful partners, who provide food to those who cannot afford it, even as they themselves are put under increasing pressure as the number of people in need rises. As more families struggle to make ends meet, there is a clear need for government action to ensure the support families receive is sufficient to help them afford their essential needs and prevent more households from falling into poverty.”