The Muslim community in Aberdeen has launched a new initiative to provide free hot meals for those in need across the city.
Following a successful partnership with homeless charity Aberdeen Cyrenians during the winter, which resulted in more than £5,000 being raised for vulnerable people in the Granite city, the Aberdeen Muslims group decided to set up a long-term scheme to help the less fortunate throughout the year.
Taking place on the last Wednesday of every month at 6.30pm at St Nicholas Square, the “Foodbox” service will provide free warm meals to anyone in need.
Maaruf Razzak, who is leading the initiative, said: “We wanted to make sure we sent the right message to the people of Aberdeen.
“Foodbox is more than just providing for the homeless, it is about providing food for anyone that does not have dinner on the table.
“We are conscious that nobody should be hungry in Aberdeen.
“We welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds to come and see us. Food brings people together, and we want to give our fellow Aberdonians who are facing hardship not just a filling meal, but a tasty one.”
Scott Baxter, the deputy chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians said: “We have built a fantastic relationship with Aberdeen Muslims through past projects and we are ecstatic that the relationship will become even stronger through Foodbox.
“We have already let our service users know where they can get their supper on a Wednesday night and I’m sure everyone sees them as a welcome addition to help combat the rise in poverty in the north-east of Scotland.”
If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Foodbox programme, contact the Aberdeen Muslims by emailing foodboxaberdeen@gmail.com