The JRS ‘Shop’ welcomes refugee friends every week, providing refugee friends not only the basic necessities such as food, toiletries and clothing, but also a warm and welcoming space, a place to make connections with others and share experiences.
Access to healthy food is important for a healthy life: the impact of a good diet on physical and mental well-being is well documented. However, the increase in food prices, in addition to the systematic barriers faced by people seeking sanctuary, can result in refugee friends struggling to access healthy food.
Cut off from all support and pushed into destitution, people are forced to depend on charities to gain access to basic necessities. Research we contributed to last year showed that people were pushed into eating poor quality food, and the eroded dignity of having a lack of choice and control.
“That food’s expired, we’ll give it to refugees. If it’s not okay to give to other people, why is it okay to give to refugees?”
Read more: Food Access for People seeking Asylum report
Responding to this need, the JRS ‘Shop’ offers a selection of food, clothes, and toiletries for our refugee friends to freely choose from.
Everything is free of charge – this service is called the ‘Shop’ because refugee friends are able to exercise agency and make choices about what they pick up – a freedom most of us take for granted when we go shopping.
As refugee friends face many restrictions, the ability to choose restores a sense of dignity and personal control to their lives which can be lost in the asylum system. This system also contributes towards our environmental efforts in reducing food waste: instead of a pre-packaged food parcel where people might not need, want, or be able to use all ingredients, refugee friends can pick up the items they know they will use.
The ‘Shop’ is also tailored to friends’ dietary needs. For instance, we have a selection of sugar-free and whole grain food for people with diabetes. This is significantly important, as it allows them to manage their blood glucose levels and monitor their health, which as a result contributes to their welfare.
Additionally, our partnership with The Felix Project, who distribute surplus food from supply chains to communities, adds a wider range of choice of fruits and vegetables to our selection of heathy options.
Supplying refugee friends with a range of free healthy food, allows them to care for and prioritise their well-being. Unfortunately, from experience and from research in the sector, we know all too well that food insecurity amongst people seeking safety often leads to long-term health issues.
In addition, being able to choose ingredients means that refugee friends can indulge in small luxuries such as making a favourite meal when we need a pick-me-up.
“It shouldn’t be this hard to access food. Besides nourishing you, food acts as a comfort. It is a reminder of your culture and reconnects you to your identity.
Having a restricted access to your comfort foods due to financial constraints can feel disheartening.
Sometimes I do feel distressed and would like to eat something that reminds me of happier times, but I can’t. I miss maize flour, tasty vegetables, and fruits.
Read more: “It shouldn’t be this hard to access food”, Together Spring 2024, pages 4-5
We all need good food. Food is fuel for our bodies. For our refugee friends, having enough energy to be present and engaged when attending their casework and legal appointments to discuss their immigration case is hugely important.
It is through your contributions that refugee friends are able to access vital necessities through the JRS ‘Shop’, and I hope you will continue to support us in this life-giving, life-sustaining work. Thank you.
