Diwali hampers to bring hope to families in need

Hundreds of volunteers have packed food parcels to distribute to people across Birmingham struggling with the rising cost of living.

About 300 people turned up to the Diwali Basket Brigade event at the RSRS Centre in Hockley, which was organised by The Diwali Foundation.

It is the ninth time the charity has brought community volunteers from a variety of backgrounds together to make hampers in the build up to the religious festival.

Deepak Parekh, founder of the initiative, said: "[The] cost of living crisis hasn't gone away... but Diwali is a celebration of light over darkness, and this is our little way of bringing some light and some hope into the families that need it most."

The Diwali Foundation, who are based in Herefordshire, said that more than 12% of UK households are experiencing food poverty.

It works with about forty different food banks and charities to reach vulnerable households.

To date, the charity said it has provided around 23,470 food hampers to those in need.

Volunteer Clare Hannah said, while packing bags: "You're thinking about, 'oh I wonder what they're going to make with this'. And the fact that this is all that they've got, for some people."

Parcels were taken from Hockley to residents living in homes provided by Walsall Housing Group (whg).

Faye Shanahan from whg said: "It's really tough out there. Our customers are having a really hard time. The cost of living is not easing.

"Events like this today are really, really fantastic. It makes an absolutely fantastic difference to our customers."

Resident John Whiting, who turned 80 on Saturday, described his parcel as "unbelievable".

"There are a lot of people out there that've got nothing," he added.

A London event was also held on Saturday, with similar events in Manchester and Leicester planned for Sunday.

Organisers have set a target of providing 6,000 food hampers this year, which would top a 2025 record when more than 80,000 meals were provided.

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