On 16th October every year, we celebrate World Food Day. At JRS UK, we know all too well the power of food to nourish, connect, and restore dignity. On this World Food Day, we want to shine a light on the vital work of the JRS Shop, a warm and welcoming space where refugee friends can access essential items with choice and respect.
Every week, over 100 refugee friends visit the JRS Shop. Run entirely by volunteers, the JRS Shop offers free food, toiletries, clothing, shoes, nappies, children’s toys, and more to people seeking sanctuary.
Many of our refugee friends are cut off from all support systems, barred from accessing public funds, and left to survive without the basics most of us take for granted.
“It is very helpful because I can collect food to cook myself when I am hungry, and I also use toiletries to keep clean and smell nice.” – John
Open three days a week, the shop offers a welcoming space where refugee friends can access the supplies they need, as well as a space to be together in community and hope.
“When I came to JRS, they helped me with clothes, toiletries, and food. I felt so happy and registered to visit every month. Without JRS, I wouldn’t be able to survive.” – Brian
Food is more than fuel. It’s a source of comfort, identity, and wellbeing. For people rebuilding their lives after displacement, access to healthy, nutritious food is vital. Yet many refugee friends face malnutrition and food insecurity, as highlighted by the joint report we published with Sustain last year.
In last year’s Spring newsletter, we shared Nayla’s story with you, and the challenges she faces finding safe, nutritious food for her daughter:
“Food is so expensive and my daughter has allergies. When we go to medical reviews, they tell you the foods you have to introduce to her diet so she can get used to them. But these foods are expensive… it’s hard to live a healthy lifestyle and practice clean eating with a restricted budget.” – Nayla
She also highlights the emotional importance of food:
“Besides nourishing you, food acts as a comfort. It is a reminder of your culture and reconnects you to your identity… Sometimes I do feel distressed and would like to eat something that reminds me of happier times, but I can’t.” – Nayla
The JRS Shop helps restore dignity by offering choice – refugee friends can browse shelves and select the items they need and are appropriate to their dietary requirements. Volunteers, including refugee friends themselves, help run the Shop and create a space of mutual care and hospitality.
“The past five years have been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much and made many friends. I will continue supporting JRS from afar.” – Liz
On this World Food Day, we celebrate the compassion that sustains this vital service and reaffirm our commitment to supporting refugees in their journey to rebuild their lives – and we invite you to be a part of it.
Take action today
- Organise a collection in your parish, school, or workplace. Every tin of tomatoes, bag of rice, or bottle of shampoo makes a difference.
- Donate to help stock the Shop with fresh, nutritious food and other essentials. Thanks to supporters like you, refugee friends can cook meals that nourish their bodies.
We believe no one should be hungry in a place they hoped would offer safety. Together, we can build a community where everyone has access to the food, care, and connection they need to thrive.
