At just 21, Aishah Ahmed is making a real difference in Weston-super-Mare by providing free meals to the underprivileged and those who are struggling with the high cost of living through her charity, Aishah’s Food Charity. What started as a simple idea has now become a lifeline for many.
Aishah’s Food Charity: From an idea to a lifeline
Aishah’s Food Charity was founded in 2023 after she witnessed the increasing food poverty in her community. She started by partnering with her father, Syad Ahmed, who runs a takeaway restaurant, Poppadoms Takeaway and now, the charity provides meals every week to over 250 free meals.
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100 to 125 meals are handed out every Wednesday evening with more meals sent to homeless shelters and to people that are unable to collect them. Aishah’s belief is in keeping the entire process simple and welcoming.
Her father, who has always been involved in charity work, immediately supported her vision.
“The children always helped me with charity work from a young age. But when Aishah wanted to start her own, I told her I’d help with cooking and supplies,” he said.
More than a meal, a community
Besides the contribution of the meals provided, the charity is building bridges at the same time. Volunteers have an important function, with one of them, Kacper Smeja, claiming that the volunteering experience altered his attitude.
“I never had much money myself, but this has shown me you don’t need money to help others,” he stated.
For some, the assistance provided does not stop at warm food. Regular beneficiary James talked about how it has benefitted him stating that places like the Aishah’s Food Charity makes a big difference especially for those that are struggling as everything is getting more expensive.
Aishah’s Food Charity, although a registered nonprofit organization that has some funding, is primarily funded by Aishah and her family. She is never left empty-handed, though, as she received a High Sheriff’s Award last September for her work.
While balancing her charity work and books at Bath Spa University, Aishah hopes to focus on two areas, helping people in need and eventually getting a position as a barrister.
Her story is a powerful reminder that changes that seem monumental everywhere began with someone demonstrating a staggering level of determination and dedication who altered so many lives.