The Scale of Food Poverty in the UK

The UK is one of the world's largest economies, yet millions of its residents face food insecurity — unable to afford enough food or food of sufficient quality to live a healthy life.

14.1mPeople in food-insecure householdsTrussell, Hunger in the UK 2024
2.6mEmergency food parcels distributed in 2025Trussell, March 2026
3.8mChildren in food-insecure householdsTrussell, Hunger in the UK 2024
1 in 6UK households experienced food insecurity in 2024Trussell, Hunger in the UK 2024

Despite a 12% year-on-year decrease in food parcels distributed (attributed to easing inflation), foodbank use remains 45% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Families with children received nearly two-thirds (62%) of all emergency parcels in 2025, and hardship among those aged 65 and over has more than tripled since 2019.

Source: Trussell, “End of Year Statistics 2025”, March 2026 • Trussell, “Hunger in the UK” research series, 2024

The Hidden Struggle in British Muslim Communities

A common misconception is that poverty is not a significant issue within Muslim communities in the UK. The data tells a very different story.

“Nearly 1 in 3 British Muslims struggled to pay at least one household bill in the past year.”

— Muslim Census, “The Crisis of Belonging”, February 2026

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39% of Muslims in England and Wales live in the most deprived local authority districts — twice the rate of the general population.Muslim Council of Britain, 2021 Census Analysis
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Despite higher average household income (£65,358 vs UK average £42,684), Muslim households are on average 70% larger (4.01 vs 2.36 people), making them effectively 8% poorer per person.Muslim Census, “The Crisis of Belonging”, 2026
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1 in 12 British Muslims admitted to missing meals due to financial difficulty, rising to 1 in 5 among Black African Muslims.Muslim Census, “The Crisis of Belonging”, 2026
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95% of Muslims facing financial difficulty do not seek outside help — often due to stigma, pride, or lack of awareness of available support.Muslim Census, “The Crisis of Belonging”, 2026
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61% of Muslims live in the lowest 40% of areas ranked by deprivation scores, while only 4% live in the least deprived fifth.Muslim Council of Britain, 2021 Census Analysis; The Guardian

What Islam Says About Feeding the Needy

The Quran and Sunnah are clear and emphatic about the obligation to feed those in need. This duty is not limited to distant lands — it starts with those nearest to us.

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا

“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”

— Surah Al-Insan, 76:8

“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbour goes hungry.”

— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sunan al-Kubra, al-Bayhaqi)

“Jibril kept advising me to be good to neighbours until I thought he would make them heirs.”

— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari \u0026 Muslim)

The Prophet ﷺ emphasised the rights of neighbours — regardless of their faith — and charity that begins locally. Islam teaches us that the most rewarding giving is that which is closest to home. When we share our Qurbani meat with those in our own communities, we fulfil both the spirit of the sacrifice and the prophetic emphasis on caring for our neighbours.

Why Sharing Qurbani Locally Matters

It's a common question: “Why would I donate Qurbani meat in the UK when there are people in greater need abroad?” The answer isn't either/or — it's both.

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Fulfil Your Local Duty

Islam places a special emphasis on the rights of neighbours and local community. Sharing Qurbani locally fulfils the Sunnah practice of distributing one third to the needy in your area.

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Break the Stigma

With 95% of struggling Muslims not asking for help, Qurbani distribution provides dignified, no-questions-asked support — fresh meat delivered through trusted community channels.

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Do Both, Not Either/Or

You can absolutely give abroad and locally. ShareMyQurbani simply ensures your local third reaches the people who need it most, right here in the UK.

Be Part of the Solution

This Eid, share your Qurbani with families in your area who are struggling to put food on the table. Your contribution makes a real, tangible difference.

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📚 References \u0026 Sources