Partnership serves up milestone for charity

A Newcastle restaurant is serving up support for people experiencing homelessness and hardship after providing free hot meals through a city charity partnership.

My Delhi restaurateur Elahi Shah Amin has committed one night each month to cooking and serving meals for Friends of The People’s Kitchen, bringing a taste of Asia to its menu.

The partnership has now reached the 1000-meal milestone, with further monthly sessions planned.

Elahi says the initiative is a natural extension of My Delhi’s commitment to giving back to the city that has supported the restaurant since its launch.

He said: “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.”

Founded in 1985, The People’s Kitchen provides free food alongside practical support, friendship and a safe environment for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and other challenges.

The charity now serves around 300 meals every day to people across Newcastle and the wider region.

Through the partnership, those using its services can enjoy dishes from a local restaurant, while two organisations with a shared focus on hospitality and community come together to provide support.

Trustee Maggie Pavlou added: “We are incredibly grateful to Elahi and everyone at My Delhi for the commitment they have shown to The People’s Kitchen.

“Reaching 1000 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.”

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