SIX thousand pupils from 22 schools across the country participated in the Food for All Day on 30th January 2015 and collected more than 10 tonnes of food and raised £10,000.

The Food for All Day was part of Tauheedul Charity’s unique Food for All initiative that aims to tackle food poverty and waste through a national network of Foodbanks, Breakfast Clubs and food education schemes.

The purpose of the Food for All Day is to raise awareness of food poverty and waste and encourage young people to develop their understanding and make a practical difference.

Schools engaged in various creative activities; for example, Witton Park Academy in Blackburn organised a ‘Blindfolded Food Challenge’ that was well received. Yusuf Patel, Director of Tauheedul Charity, said: “We are overwhelmed with the response from the national campaign. For 22 schools to collect more than 10 tonnes of food and raise £10,000 is phenomenal.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the schools that participated and particularly to the staff and pupils who worked really hard and deserve recognition.”

The Charity also launched the Inspire Awards for schools participating in the Food for All Day. The winners were as follows: Florence Nightingale Registration Award Winner: Lady Nafisa School, Hounslow Nelson Mandela Food Drive Award Winner: Eden Girls’ School, Coventry.

Winston Churchill Fundraising Award Winner: The Olive School, Hackney.

Einstein Creativity Award Winner: Witton Park Academy, Blackburn.

Mahatma Gandhi Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award Winner: Salma Patel, Islamiyah School, Blackburn.

Martin Luther King Food Education Award 1st position: Zahra Sajjad, Manchester Islamic High School for Girls; 2nd position: Khadiza Begum, Abubakr Girls School, Walsall.

Tauheedul Student of the Year Award: 1st position: Ouswa Ali and Lareiba Ali, Al-Islah Girls School, Blackburn; 2nd position: Anisaa.

Kam Kothia, Chair of the Tauheedul Group and Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, said: “Once again, young people from across the country have demonstrated their commitment to community service and philanthropy, and their passion to champion local causes.

“Undoubtedly, their efforts will contribute to improving the quality of life for many disadvantaged people in the UK. It is incredibly humbling to see how the Food for All Day ignited young people’s innate energy and enthusiasm resulting in the phenomenal outcomes.

“We are committed to the Big Society and believe in the transformative power of education to achieve lasting change.”

The Charity also launched the Inspire Awards for schools participating in the Food for All Day.