Rice, rice, rice

Currently, Refugee Community Kitchen is buzzing with activity, using 120 kgs of rice every day in Calais, as well as 15kgs a day in London.

We are calling on our supporters to be a vital part of our mission: For £1296, you can sponsor one pallet of rice (that’s a tonne of basmati rice!), contributing to the sustenance and well-being of countless individuals in our community.

One of our core values is preserving the cultural identity of the communities we serve.

With pride, we exclusively use Basmati rice, recognising its importance in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Your support not only nourishes bodies but also honours the traditions and heritage of those who seek refuge in our community.

If you can spare any amount, we would be so grateful 🙏

With love and gratitude, RCK

RCK Volunteers

Andi Oliver becomes trustee for RCK

Watch the full interview with our friend and trustee Andi Oliver. Andi and our co-founder, Steve, talk about her time spent in Calais with RCK, and what it means to her serving nutritious food to people in need.

Happy New Year from RCK!

Reflecting on a Year of Gratitude and Solidarity

As the year comes to a close and 2024 begins, RCK want to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to each and every supporter who has been a part of our journey. Your unwavering commitment, whether through donations, volunteered time, or shared experiences, has fueled our mission and touched the lives of those we serve.

In the spirit of the season, we extend hope for safety and solidarity to the displaced individuals in Calais and across the globe. May the coming year bring brighter days, compassion, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and kindness. Here's to a new year filled with empathy, understanding, and positive change.

With love,

Refugee Community Kitchen

Gratitude

For every penny donated, every minute of time volunteered, every experience shared, we’re so grateful to you all, From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

With love, RCK

Honouring International Migrants Day: A Reflection from Refugee Community Kitchen

Image by @abdul_saboor079

On this significant day, we pause to acknowledge and honour the resilience, courage, and strength of migrants around the world. International Migrants Day serves as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals who embark on challenging journeys in search of safety, hope, and a brighter future.

At Refugee Community Kitchen, we stand in solidarity with migrants. Today, we celebrate the human spirit that transcends borders and unites us all.

Let us reflect on the shared humanity that binds us together, and reaffirm our commitment to providing support, compassion, and nourishment to those in need. Together, we can build a world where every migrant is welcomed with open hearts and open arms.

We are 8 years old!

RCK has reached its 8th year of service, this is a huge achievement only made possible by the courageous, kind and hardworking community that is RCK.

Since December 2015 we have freshly prepared and served over 3.8 million nutritious composite menus in northern France and the UK, not to mention over 8 million cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate !

That is tonnes of curries, cakes, biryanis , tangines, lasagne ,rice, pasta, salads, shorba, hummus, chilli sauces, dukka sprinkles, crumbles, custard, flapjacks, flatbreads, sauerkraut, pickles, soup, cookies, muffins, fatayer, falafel, paratha, bolani, garlic bread, muffins, to mention just a few and of course love and kindness in every mouthful.

This is thanks to the 27,000 volunteers and the 100,000s of donors fundraisers and supporters that keep the food flowing.

We in awe of you all and humbled to be part of this community, sending love and thanks to each and every one of you. Together we are stronger.

Calais: Updates from the ground

It’s been a trying time in Calais this past month, more and more people have been arriving and unable to cross the channel due to severe weather. So far in the last month there have only been 2 crossings.

Refugees are living in difficult and unsanitary environments: freezing and muddy conditions without proper shelter or access to clean water. The severity of the situation for many is causing tension, conflicts and violence between the communities.

RCK, along with our fellow organisations on the ground, faces challenges in safely distributing our services. While endeavouring to provide daily meals for over 1,500 people in Calais alone, there is a pressing need to address concerns and modify our approach to ensuring the safe supply of hot food.

Our team of co-ordinators and volunteers has been absolutely incredible during this time, working tirelessly morning until night in the kitchens as well as exploring different sites and ways to serve in order to reach as many people as we can.

We’re so grateful to all who have been supporting us during this time and we will strive to find new ways to keep running throughout the winter no matter what.