Local restaurant owner making hundreds of free meals per week feels "overwhelmed" by the response

    Naseem Khan is dedicating time to making and delivering over 250 meals each week to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Her gestures of kindness began way before the pandemic started, when Naseem, the owner of Wolverton-based restaurant Namji, started donating meals to the homeless people of Milton Keynes.

    Now, Naseem has ramped up meal production to help even more vulnerable people. She continues to cook meals for the homeless, while creating food parcels, donating meals to the elderly, families under financial strain, and giving hospital workers meals, just to name a few.

    "As a Muslim it is my responsibility to help others and give charity," said Naseem. "I have seen my Mum and Dad do the same. I am overwhelmed by the response, I feel very humbled and honoured to be given this opportunity." 

    Every meal donated is completely self-funded by Naseem, who says she does not do it for recognition. 

    Next week, Naseem and Kelly Gavanagh, from Circus Magazine, will be taking part in the "NHS cook off". Starting at 6am, Naseem and Kelly will be making over 200 meals for NHS staff throughout Milton Keynes. Naseem continued: "I am really excited about this as the MKHU, pharmacies [and] some doctors surgeries have given us a very positive response and have enjoyed my food. I will be cooking Chicken Karahi and Saag Aloo with rice."

    When Namji opened in 2017, Naseem wanted to use her platform to help disadvantaged women, so she decided to launch Give Back 2U. Give Back 2U, a community interest company, operates with the primary purpose of providing education, training, and opportunities to women from disadvantaged social backgrounds.

    Since its launch, 12 women have been trained and now carry out different roles within Namji. Although the restaurant may be closed, Namji continues to offer takeaway alongside the free meals and food parcels.

    "One of the ladies who has always been by side Ishrat Idris is one of my main Chefs and has flourished since," Naseem continued. "I would like to thank Ishrat for believing in me.

    "The transformation that I have witnessed of women with all backgrounds through my pilot project, regained their confidence, found their love of cooking, being appreciated and found flexible hours that fit around their family and children has been really emotional and powerful."

     Naseem's husband, Malik, and son, Adi, have also supported her throughout her journey. Her next goal is to open up a soup kitchen to serve hot meals to whoever needs it most.

    From the very start, Naseem has emphasised that she does not wish to accept monetary donations for the food parcels that she makes and delivers. However, since the demand for food parcels and meals is on the rise, she is now accepting food donations to help cook the meals.

    Those who wish to support Naseem's generosity can donate the following:

    • Basmati rice
    • Oil
    • Spices
    • Fresh vegetables 

    Alternatively, people can donate to Give Back 2U UK, so that Naseem can continue to help disadvantaged women. £30 a month is enough to maintain equipment and services for six women. Click here to find out more. 

    If you wish to donate food/dried goods, please deliver to: Namji, 4 The Square, Wolverton, MK12 5DG. 

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