A taste of Asia has been added to the menu at The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle, thanks to a monthly commitment from popular city restaurant My Delhi.
Restaurateur Elahi Shah Amin, from My Delhi, has dedicated one night each month to cooking and serving meals for the Friends of The People’s Kitchen, helping the charity reach the milestone of serving 1,000 free hot meals through the partnership.
Elahi said the relationship was a natural extension of My Delhi’s commitment to the city that has supported the restaurant since it was established.
“Newcastle has given My Delhi so much over the years. This city welcomed us, supported us, and gave us the opportunity to build something we’re incredibly proud of.
“Supporting our community has always mattered to us. We wouldn’t be here without the people of Newcastle.
“Access to a hot, nutritious meal is something many of us take for granted, but that’s not the reality for everyone. Nobody should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, especially in a city as compassionate as Newcastle.
“When we met the team at The People’s Kitchen, we knew immediately we wanted to help. They don’t just provide food; they offer dignity, kindness and human connection to people facing homelessness and hardship.
“Those values resonate deeply with us, because hospitality has always been about looking after people.
“Cooking is what we do every day, so it felt natural to use those skills where they could make a real difference. That’s how the partnership began.
“We’re proud that we’ve now served 1,000 free hot meals together, and this is just the beginning. We hope it’s the start of a long-term partnership that helps support some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The People’s Kitchen was established in Newcastle in 1985 and has been supporting people experiencing homelessness, poverty and hardship for more than four decades. The charity provides free food alongside practical support, friendship and a safe, welcoming environment.
Today, The People’s Kitchen serves around 300 meals every day, making it an important lifeline for people across Newcastle and the wider region.
Trustee Maggie Pavlou said the support from My Delhi had brought more than just food to the charity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Elahi and everyone at My Delhi for the commitment they have shown to The People’s Kitchen.
“Reaching 1,000 meals is a fantastic milestone, but what makes this partnership so special is the thought and care that goes into every meal.
“For someone who may be facing homelessness, financial hardship or simply a very difficult period in their life, sitting down to a hot meal prepared with care can mean so much more than food. It is about dignity, connection and knowing that people care.
“The People’s Kitchen relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses and community organisations, and partnerships like this demonstrate what can happen when local businesses use their skills and resources to make a difference.
“We hope this is the beginning of a long and lasting relationship with My Delhi.”
The monthly meals have also given people using The People’s Kitchen the opportunity to experience food from a local restaurant while bringing together two organisations with a shared belief in the importance of hospitality and community.
The partnership between My Delhi and The People’s Kitchen is set to continue, with further monthly meals planned.
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Photo: A My Delhi chef at the Kitchen and with volunteers (Steve Brock)
PR and media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951