A Bradford community kitchen that began as a simple act of service has now provided more than 16,000 warm meals to people in need, as volunteers gathered this week to celebrate its second anniversary.
The Khidma Community Kitchen, run by the Nazim Ali Foundation, marked the milestone at the Millan Centre in Manningham on Tuesday 3rd March, continuing its weekly mission to ensure no one in the community goes hungry.
More than 129 meals were served on the night, including rice, chicken curry, lentil curry, roti, cake and water. For many who attend, the kitchen offers not just food but warmth, dignity and a sense of belonging.
Since launching two years ago, the initiative has delivered 16,570 meals in total – averaging more than 150 meals each week.
Founder Nazim Ali, a long-standing Bradford community volunteer, said the project was created to fill a gap in food provision in the district.
“Before we launched, there was nothing available on a Tuesday evening for people struggling with food poverty,” he said.
“Over the years I’ve seen first-hand how important community kitchens are for people facing hardship. This work is about service to others – and that is a blessing.”
The kitchen runs every Tuesday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and welcomes anyone who needs a meal, regardless of background, faith or circumstance.
Nazim said the service reflects the diverse nature of Bradford itself. “Every week we see people from at least a dozen different nationalities,” he explains.
“Food poverty does not affect just one group – it affects everyone.”
A key part of the project’s success has been its volunteers. Over the past two years, 108 volunteers have supported the kitchen, with young people playing a particularly significant role.
Around 63% of volunteers have been under the age of 18, something organisers say is helping to inspire a new generation of community leaders.
Among them are siblings Amiyah Khurram, aged 10, and her nine-year-old brother Noah, who regularly volunteer alongside their father.
Mr Ali said seeing young people step forward has been one of the most uplifting aspects of the initiative. “They are the future, and it’s inspiring to see them giving their time to help others,” he says.
Volunteers have continued to support the kitchen even during challenging times, including during the holy month of Ramadan, when many have helped serve meals while fasting.
The project is made possible through sponsorship from Bradford-based Saveco Cash & Carry, whose chief executive Haji Shiraz Ahmed has supported the initiative from the start.
“As a Bradford business, we believe in giving back to the community,” he said.
“Nazim Ali does fantastic work across the city, whether it’s providing food for those in need or supporting poorly children in hospital. We are proud to support this important initiative.”
Saveco also backs the foundation’s Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative, which delivers toys to children in hospital wards. The programme has been running for 13 years and has made 50 visits to children’s wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital.
Nazim adds: “As a Muslim, I believe we have a duty to help those in need. This kitchen is for everyone – it’s about kindness, dignity and serving our fellow citizens.”
The Khidma Community Kitchen continues to operate weekly at the Millan Centre on Victor Road in Manningham, offering a warm meal – and a welcoming space – for anyone who needs it.
