This Preston mosque asked its members to help the city’s Food Bank

Just some of the many items donated by Muslim families

Hundreds of food and drink items have been donated by the city’s Muslim community to a struggling Food Bank.

The Salvation Army said they were running desperately low on supplies and was days away from having to turn people away.

Jamea Masjid in Clarendon Street, Avenham, the largest mosque in the city, rallied its members to act.

On Sunday (11 June) hundreds of items were packed up ready to be presented to the Food Bank.

A spokesman for the mosque said: “This project began as we found out the Food Bank was running desperately low.

“We decided that as part of the local community we would see what we could do to help.

“So we sent out a poster to encourage the Muslims of Preston to donate dry foods such as pasta and sugar, tinned food, toiletries like soap and shampoo.

“This collection was made extra special as we Muslims are currently in the holy month of Ramadan so we try to encourage extra acts of worship.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of donations received in such a short space of time.

Volunteers helping to sort the food donated

“Volunteers were called in to help sort and categorise the hundreds of donations we received ranging from drinks, pasta, crisps and through to baby wipes and nappies.

“We hope this shows the local community what Muslims are really like. We do care and want to build positive relationships with all.”

Volunteers at the mosque sorting through food items

On Monday (5 June) the Salvation Army said they had gradually seen an increase in their stock following an appeal.

The Food Bank operates from the group’s headquarters in Harrington Street.

How can you help the food bank?

They are looking for the following items:

• Tinned spaghetti
• Tinned tomatoes
• Packet/ tinned Soup
• Beans
• Tinned fish
• Tinned meat
• Tinned potatoes
• Tinned vegetables
• Tinned fruit
• Rice pudding
• Custard
• Tinned cake
• Jars of sauces
• Packets of noodles, pasta, rice
• Long life Milk
• Sugar
• Tea Bags
• Coffee
• Cereal
• Cordial
• Fruit Juice
• Biscuits/ sweets
• Jams/ spreads
• Toiletries
• Nappies
• Washing up liquid
• Washing powder
• Toilet rolls
• Baby food

All items need to be unopened and in date. Opening times can be found on the Salvation Army website.