A young woman has been honored with a British Citizen Award for her dedication to establishing and running her own food bank.
Aishah Ahmed, from Weston-super-Mare, successfully built her charity while simultaneously pursuing a law degree, which she has now completed.
Aishah’s Food Charity was inspired by Miss Ahmed’s childhood, where she witnessed her father, a restaurant owner, generously providing free meals to those in need.
“When I was five years old, I would see [my dad] doing all of the work, and I would ask to help him,” she recounted.
“He instilled that value in us as we were growing up,” she added.
Miss Ahmed began assisting people independently in 2015, and support for her efforts grew organically through word of mouth.
Officially launched in October 2023 after the Covid-19 pandemic, Aishah’s Food Charity operates as a hot meal food bank.
“I witnessed the struggles resulting from lockdown and the rising cost of living, and I knew I had to take action,” she explained.
Every Wednesday, Miss Ahmed dedicates her time to the charity, located on Walliscote Road in Weston-super-Mare, with volunteer support extending its operations on Sundays.
Miss Ahmed’s father and brother handle the cooking, while her mother, sister, and herself manage the food distribution process, including packaging and handing out meals.
Furthermore, the charity has established partnerships with supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, who contribute food donations.
“It’s a rewarding feeling. My motivation stems from a desire to provide those less fortunate with things they need and want.”
The charity’s scope has broadened to include donations of essential items like sleeping bags, tents, and bedding.
“This charity means the world to me, it truly does,” she expressed.
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