Sharing of food at Ramadan

On Wednesday 6th April, we worked with Cambridge Central Mosque and Islamic Relief UK, to assemble and distribute 85 food parcels to families in need across Cambridge celebrating Ramadan this month.  Volunteers from CSF, Cambridge Central Mosque and Islamic Relief all got together at our Community Food Centre in North Cambridge to form a swift production line to assemble the parcels. 

Included in the parcels were a variety of dry foodstuffs including luxury items such as ghee, mango puree, oil and dates as well as staple items like pulses, chopped tomatoes, pasta, dates, rice, chapatti flour, soup mixes and passata.

Ramadan food parcels assembled by volunteers

CSF, Cambridge Central Mosque and Islamic Relief UK volunteers working on the food parcel assembly line

Bags of chapatti flour and basmati rice to be distributed to families

CSF, Cambridge Central Mosque and Islamic Relief UK volunteers with the finished 85 Ramadan food parcels for families

Whilst during the month of Ramadan Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, food still plays a central part in the celebration, particularly in the evening at sunset. After observing a prayer, Muslims share a meal together to break their fast. This is called Iftar (translates to breakfast) and traditionally begins with dates, water and fruits followed by a large feast. Whilst Iftar is about physical replenishment after a long day of fasting it is also an opportunity for people to come together and is best experienced communally. 

Examples of recipes which may be eaten at Iftar include:

RAMAZAN PIDESI

Traditional leavened Turkish pita usually served with meals during the month of Ramadan. Recipe here.

SANA BIRAN

Chickpeas with potatoes, a very common dish in Bengali homes during the month of Ramadan. Recipe here.

DAAL BORAS

5 ingredient lentil fritters, a popular snack during the month of Ramadan. Recipe here.