A homeless charity in Bolton will be offering Ramadan ‘Iftar’ boxes full of seasonal food for struggling families during this holy month regardless of faith.

Human Appeal and Hellmann’s have set up the ‘Iftar for all’ project  to help families enjoy delicious Iftar meals in the Islamic month of Ramadan amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Ramadan is a month where Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset, where they break their fast with traditional foods before offering prayers later in the evening, known as Iftar.

Any struggling families can apply for a box with things like chickpeas, peach and pineapple slices, plain flour, dates, and Hellmann’s mayonnaise.

The Bolton News: PAPA (Image: PA)

In Greater Manchester, Bolton’s Homeless Aid UK will act as a centre for families to collect boxes from.

Billa Ahmed of the charity, said: “I think it’s amazing that this big company like Hellmann’s are getting involved.

“We do lots of projects around Christmas, so it’s nice to see that during Ramadan companies are working to provide iftar meals.”

Famous food blogger and Bangladeshi chef Afia Begom of Afelia’s Kitchen handpicked the food items along with recipes for tasty meals without any waste.

New research, based on a national pool of 500 respondents with 3Gem Research & Insights, reveals that almost two thirds of people are concerned about the increased costs of food for Ramadan celebrations this year.

Billa said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, many families have lost that ability to be able to do what they normally do during Ramadan.

“People cannot afford to break their fasts with meals for the whole family, everyone is feeling the pinch.

“This is a good way to help anyone as well, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not, to enjoy food this Ramadan with their families.”

The Bolton News:

Rachel Chambers, Hellmann's Brand Manager, said the company was also on a ‘mission to reduce food waste’ since many families are used to spending more on weekly shopping during Ramadan.

Owais Khan, Deputy CEO at Human Appeal, said: "We're so pleased to be partnering with a power brand like Hellmann's during Ramadan to kick-start an inclusive call to action to support those in need in the country while also raising awareness around hunger, food security and reducing food waste.

To claim a free ‘Iftar For All’ box, check eligibility by contacting one of the participating beneficiaries from April 3, and head to the Hellmann's website. https://www.hellmanns.com/uk/ramadan2023.html