This mosque asked people on Facebook if they needed a hot meal. The response shines a light on Manchester's 'hidden hungry'
The work of volunteers in Longsight is shining a light on the plight of Manchester's hidden hungry.The community-led foodbank, based at the Qadria Jilania Islamic Social and Educational Centre, a mosque in Longsight, has been helping hundreds of people each day, many of whom wouldn't normally access this kind of service.The support group was set up by local journalist Shahzad Mirza, who asked Longsight residents on Facebook and Whatsapp if they were in need of hot meals.He has been stunned at the response.At first, 50 people got in touch, but when word spread about the service the mosque was offering, up to 300 people began turning up for hot meals and dry goods each day.It reveals the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Longsight