Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read
31 December 2022 | 7:00 pm CAT

In London, many families live in poverty, with inflation and rising fuel costs exacerbating a bad situation. Food banks and volunteers are stretched to the limit.

Radio Islam International speaks to Taz Khan, a chef and founder of London Community Kitchen, who is determined to help the people in his region and South Africa.

The journey of Khan started 8 to 9 years back under a different name in 2014. The new name was adapted to London Centric as London was the focus.

According to Khan, the organisation started was not about food and security or food poverty but rather about the surplus food in the country.

“We were looking at a solution to prevent the food fit for human consumption from going to waste,” he added.

The London Community Kitchen is an environmental project that serves the community with a holistic approach. Khan said a hand-up attitude is upheld. In essence, people can approach and access the kitchen’s services.

Meanwhile, education and employment opportunities are presented to people. These include education centres of cookery schools and links to the hospitality industries across London.

Holistically, the kitchen can assist others with feeding and upskilling them.

Khan has further branched out in the Randburg region and said the South African Kitchen is a success.

“Our model works for people and empowers the communities,” he added.

In 2014 a model was started in Johannesburg which supported many township schools that saw an improvement in attendance after receiving food.

According to Khan, conversations surrounding the start of an Africans Community Kitchen in Johannesburg with local industry and partners of a similar holistic approach to place people in better situations are underway.

Listen to the interview with Annisa Essack and Taz Khan on Radio Islam’s podcast.