And then we were 6!

We are in no mood to celebrate but over 3 million meals later, today is our 6TH BIRTHDAY.

We didn't expect to still be here. We were so hopeful.

A lot has happened in six years, but sadly very little has changed for the better. Displaced people in Calais still lack the support they deserve, and we, with your amazing support, are still here serving hot meals full of love and kindness.

Thank you for your support! If you want to do more write to your MP, sign the petition in our Instagram bio, share and donate ->

No words

We have no words, just deep sorrow and sadness for those who have died trying to reach the UK.

People have a human right to seek refuge in a safe country.

We call for safe passage and an end to the inhumane conditions at the British-French border.

Photos by Abdul Saboor - thank you

Amal

This week RCK volunteers joined the warm welcome of Amal to Calais, Folkestone, and London, to a place of safety. Amal has traveled over 8,000 miles from the Syrian Border in Turkey to highlight those seeking a better life.

Let us take a minute to think of the refugees who are just starting out on their journey...

1 in 3 Afghans are food insecure

It is nearly 4157miles from Kabul to London.

If there were no police, no push-backs, no borders, no winters, no oceans, no mountains, no illness, no rivers to pass, you had a place to sleep and good food, you may just be able to cover 20 miles a day. That journey alone would take around 7 months.

This tells us that the recent refugees fleeing Afghanistan will not start arriving in Europe until around early spring. The refugees we have seen arriving on the planes are the few receiving government support, leave to work and the right to accommodation. This same aid won’t be afforded to the refugees that at this moment in time are having to walk. These people won’t receive the protection of our governments, nor shelter or financial support.

Refugee Community Kitchen is now preparing for a long winter of new arrivals fleeing war, torture, discrimination, and for their lives and that of their families. To be there with a hot nourishing meal, to be consistent and kind.

To give them hope as Amal has given us hope

Ossulston Estate Pop-Up

RCK were so privileged to be involved in a pop-up event on the Ossulston Estate this month together with Think and Do Camden and Somers Town Community Association.

Co-founder Janie was there leading the team: "It was lovely meeting so many people, sharing skills and delicious food. Everyone working towards a better future and finding ways to end food poverty. Our daily lunches and special supper were cooked using only surplus produce: supporting the climate and the community with healthy nourishing food".

Happy Pride 2021!

No one should be made to flee their home for who they love, how they identify or how they choose to express themselves. Unfortunately, many of the people we serve have had to do just this, as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people face persecution, discrimination and even violence in their home countries. RCK supports LGBTQI+ rights and looks forward to the day when no one will need to escape their home for simply being themselves. We strive to make our kitchens welcoming to everyone, with safer spaces policy and mandatory sessions for everyone joining. We love, with pride

Abdul's Bolanis

May is here and in the RCK Calendar that means Abdul's Bolani Recipe (not to mention our Orthodox Easter Doro Wat recipe which you'll find in there too!). Abdul gave a mini Bolani masterclass in our Calais kitchen recently to show us how to perfect the Afghani stuffed flatbreads. If you'd like to try them make sure you grab one of our last 2021 calendars, now only £10!