Feeding Hope: Nourishing Manchester’s Homeless
From January to August 2024, a £3000 grant from BCBN supported Mustafia Sharif’s Homeless Feed initiative, delivering over 4,800 hot meals to Manchester’s homeless community. Operating twice a week in Piccadilly Gardens, the project created more than just nourishment—it offered dignity, compassion, and a sense of belonging.
Each meal was thoughtfully prepared, with seasonal dishes such as rice, pasta, soups, fresh fruit, and herbal teas. Up to 200 individuals were reached weekly, many of whom were migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers with little access to support. Beyond food, the project offered vital referral pathways to housing, health, and wellbeing services.
The grant helped stabilise operations during a time of rising costs and inconsistent donations, allowing the team to invest in essential equipment, insurance, and volunteer coordination. 30 volunteers were engaged, gaining skills and building deeper ties with their local community.
The impact went far beyond numbers—this initiative became a lifeline. One guest, recently evicted, returned weeks later to thank the team after being connected with housing support. He now hopes to volunteer himself.
Through this grant, BCBN helped transform lives, spark hope, and support a sustainable model of grassroots community care.
