Since the Covid-19 pandemic, a Leeds couple has been tirelessly working to feed the city’s most vulnerable residents, a mission that shows no signs of slowing down. Mr and Mrs Ghosh, with over 50 years of combined community service experience, launched their charity, Grace and Care, from their home kitchen during the pandemic. Their goal was clear: to provide meals to those struggling to make ends meet due to job losses, insufficient furlough pay, benefit delays, ill health, and lack of support.
Today, their initiative has grown significantly, operating out of the kitchen at Primely Wood Primary School, which generously provides the space free of charge. Here, with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, the couple prepares nutritious vegetarian meals for collection by school parents and members of the local community. The charity along with hot nutritious meals provides toiletry essentials, fresh fruits, and gifts for children, ensuring that no family or individual goes without.
“Food banks and initiatives like ours offer hope, dignity, and relief,” said Mrs Ghosh, reflecting on their work. “Beyond food, we want to give people a sense of community and support during tough times.” Grace and Care operates entirely on donations from supermarkets, local businesses, friends, and family, relying on their generosity to continue their work.
The Ghosh’s are no strangers to helping others. Mrs Debbani Ghosh began her journey in the charity sector in the late 1990s, volunteering with the Asian Blind Association, where she now works as the Chief Executive Officer. Her role involves leading a team to provide tailored support to blind and visually impaired individuals from South Asian, Black, and ethnic minority communities. Meanwhile, Mr Sam Ghosh dedicated 29 years of his career to serving the West Yorkshire community as a police officer. Together, they combined their decades of experience to create a charity that serves both homeless individuals and families in need.
The couple’s efforts come amid a national food crisis. According to the Trussell Trust, over 1.42 million emergency food parcels were distributed between April and September 2024—a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges many families face. Food banks and charities like Grace and Care are crucial, not just for emergency food provision but also for the additional services they offer, from financial advice to holistic support aimed at lifting people out of hardship.
“The need is greater than ever,” said Mr. Ghosh. “But the community’s generosity and our volunteers’ dedication inspire us to keep going.” As the cost-of-living crisis continues to strain households across Leeds, Grace and Care stands as a beacon of hope, proving that small acts of kindness can grow into a movement capable of changing lives.
For those interested in supporting Grace and Care’s work, donations of food or funds can make a significant difference in ensuring no one in Leeds goes hungry by visiting www.graceandcare.org
