100k meals served and that’s just for starters
CHARITY THAT HAS BEEN HELPING TO FEED VULNERABLE DURING CRISIS HAS FUND-RAISER PLAN
A CHARITY has served 100,000 meals to vulnerable people across Leicestershire throughout the coronavirus crisis so far – and that is just for starters.
Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) has been working seven days a week for 234 days to ensure people facing hardship during the pandemic do not go hungry.
The term “langar” refers to the community kitchen of a gurdwara, and “seva” means selfless service.
The charity started in the West Midlands in 2013 and is now operating nationwide, with a dedicated team for Leicestershire.
The 100,000-meal milestone has been reached even though, due to social distancing rules, the charity’s county crew of about 90 volunteers has had to reduce to about 20, which includes packers and drivers.
The team now work in rotation throughout the week.
Ginda Basra, MLSS lead for Leicestershire, said: “We have a simple mission: to provide a daily hot meal to those who would not otherwise have access to one.
“I would like to extend a personal thank you to all of our volunteers and supporters, who continue to work incredibly hard towards this cause.
“It has been humbling to see so many people from Leicester support us in helping us help those in need.”
Since 2015 and before Covid-19 restrictions, the charity provided hot meals daily to homeless people which were handed out at Leicester Market.
Due to Covid-19, the charity has been unable to continue its services from the market.
Instead, it has operated on a referral system to reach those in need and supported the city council by providing meals to vulnerable people who were given temporary accommodation.
The meals are cooked at More Restaurant in London Road in the city.
Each one is packed with a piece of
We provide a daily hot meal to those who would not otherwise have access to one
Ginda Basra
fresh fruit, bottled water and a treat such as a packet of crisps, chocolate bar or biscuits. Throughout the second national lockdown, volunteers will continue to provide free meals to vulnerable people in Leicestershire.
After another month of further restrictions, the charity plans to introduce the #Challenge10 fundraiser. From December 1, it will encourage the public to raise money for its service by walking, running or cycling 10 kilometres.
The charity also operates in more than 25 towns and cities throughout the UK to support people in need.
For more information about the charity, how to donate to it or how it can help, visit: