‘My food parcels make me quite emotional’

A single mother-ofthree who is battling depression says that without the help she receives around Pesach, she would struggle to properly celebrate the festival with her children.

Rivki, who lives in a north London suburb, has no other family apart from her children —two of whom have severe mental and physical disabilities.

She is grateful for two food packages she has received from communal charity Gift over Pesach.

“In so much of our religion, at every festival it’s always about food,” Rivki says. “At Pesach, suddenly matzahs are £1. Meat, poultry and fish are more expensive.

“One thing money shouldn’t affect is the way you educate your children about their heritage. Food plays a big part in that and if you’re not in a position to supply it, there is a danger that your children lose that identity and their traditions.

“When every second of your life is managing physical conditions which need roundthe-clock attention, it gets a bit draining. And then there are literally endless appointments at this and that clinic and liaising with schools. It’s hard work and I’m not in a position to help my children financially, so things like this make a massive difference. Organisations like Gift are an absolute lifeline.”

The food parcels were an “Aladdin’s cave” to her, including items she could never afford.

“It’s quite emotional. Things like the cake mixes are a luxury and my daughter loves to bake at Pesach.

“And the knowledge that there is a whole line of people who have made this possible — it’s a very nurturing, warm feeling.”