The Firs School Lead Food Bank Initiative at Chester Mosque

As many people across Cheshire struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, The Firs Primary School has once again been busy supporting the Chester Muslim Sisters Association (CMSA), and its local food bank initiative, which has collected an incredible 1,090kg of food, about the same weight as two grand pianos or two adult cows.

This week, The Firs had the great opportunity to revisit the Chester Muslim Sisters’ Association and deliver their food bank collection. As they donated, the food was sorted and distributed by the charity to the West Cheshire Foodbank and to families in need within the local community.

Speaking during the visit, head organiser Zeba expressed her appreciation for the ongoing partnership with The Firs, recognising both the school’s contributions and pupils' enthusiasm to learn more about the Islamic faith and the wider community.

Later in the week, the Lord Mayor of Chester attended the Chester Mosque to acknowledge the donations to the food bank, highlighting the efforts of The Firs pupils and families in supporting such a meaningful cause.

With the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al Fitr (on the 20^th March), it is especially important to recognise the vital work of the CMSA and all they do to support the local and wider community. Over the last four years, the charity has collected and distributed items such as long-life milk, cereals, packed pasta, lentils, beans and pulses, to name a few, to a number of food banks across Chester. Filling over 65 crates for the West Cheshire Food Bank, the charity distributed collected items in the last 10 days of Ramadan, with the support of volunteers from the West Cheshire Food Bank and the help of other members from the local community.

Later on, during the week, the Lord Mayor of Chester was also at the Chester Mosque to present the same donations to the food bank, taking particular note of how the children of The Firs school went out of their way to contribute to such a worthy cause.

Mr Girvan, Headteacher at The Firs School, said, “I am immensely proud of the dedication our pupils have shown in preparing for this year’s donations. Engaging with Chester Mosque allows them to see the real impact of their work and reinforces the importance of service within our wider community.”