A Bradford community kitchen that provides free hot meals to people facing hardship has celebrated serving more than 18,500 meals in just over two years.
The Nazim Ali Foundation’s Khidma Community Kitchen recently relocated to its new base at Masjid Nùr – The Lux Mosque in Heaton, after operating from the Millan Centre in Manningham since its launch in February 2024.
The latest milestone came as volunteers hosted a special Eid-ul-Adha meal service, providing 138 meals to people across the district. Service users received a three-course meal including chicken curry, lentil curry, rice, roti, kheer dessert, drinks and snacks.
Founded by community campaigner and philanthropist Nazim Ali BEM, the initiative was created to address a gap in food provision on Tuesday evenings for people experiencing food poverty and financial hardship.
Since opening its doors on 27 February 2024, the kitchen has served an average of 155 meals each week, welcoming people from a wide range of ethnic, religious and social backgrounds.
Mr Ali said the diversity of those accessing the service highlights the continuing impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We see people from at least a dozen different nationalities every week. Food poverty affects people from all communities and all walks of life. That is why services like the Khidma Community Kitchen are so important.”
The project has also become a hub for youth volunteering. Of the 118 volunteers who have supported the initiative over the past two years, 73 have been under the age of 18.
“We are proud to have engaged so many young people because they are the future,” Mr Ali added. “Our volunteers give up their time week after week, whether it is rain, snow or sunshine, and their dedication makes this work possible.”
The community kitchen now operates every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Masjid Nùr – The Lux Mosque on Haworth Road, Heaton.
Mr Ali paid tribute to the mosque for providing the facilities free of charge and thanked long-term sponsor Saveco Cash & Carry for supporting the weekly food programme.
Saveco Chief Executive Shiraz Ahmed said: “As a Bradford-based business, we are delighted to support the work of Nazim Ali and his Foundation. Whether providing toys to poorly children or food to those in need, Nazim continues to make a positive difference to the lives of many people across our city.”
Mr Ali, who received a British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year Honours 2025 and has raised almost £1.5 million for charitable causes, said the kitchen remains open to anyone in need, regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.
“A pleasure to serve our fellow citizens from all communities and all walks of life,” he said.
Anyone wanting to volunteer or find out more can contact 07825 698283 or e-mail: nazim27@hotmail.com
