Comptroller Lander, Islamic Relief USA, and Hunger Relief Organizations Host “Iftar On The Go” Meal Distributions Throughout Ramadan

New York, NY – The Office of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander announces a series of halal meal distribution events in partnership with Islamic Relief USA, community-based organizations, elected officials, and hunger relief organizations to distribute 7,500 free iftar meals to families in need at grab-and-go sites in every borough. The “Iftar On The Go” events will begin March 24th and continue through April 19th, on a first-come-first-serve basis.

“Families should not have to worry where their next meal is coming from. Ensuring Muslim New Yorkers have access to culturally appropriate food this Ramadan is crucial for addressing food insecurity. I commend the hard work that Islamic Relief USA puts in every Ramadan to support families, and the many leaders and elected officials who worked with my office to secure thousands of free iftar meals for families across the City,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. 

Food insecurity is a major challenge facing low-income and working-class New Yorkers today, as the city experiences rising inflation and the expiration of pandemic relief benefits, like the expansion of food stamps. Approximately 10% of New York households across New York state are food insecure. In New York City, the poverty rate was 18% in 2021, compared to 12.8% nationwide, inflation continues to rise, and the City is reporting delays in processing food stamp applications. However, policy interventions, like the expansion of SNAP and the Child Tax Credit, during the pandemic helped reduce food insecurity by 4%, despite widespread unemployment and wage loss.

“Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims around the world to strengthen their connection to their creator and their empathy toward others. Islamic Relief USA is honored to join the New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s Office again this year to help meet the growing needs of the community during a time of significant economic hardship. As we witness inflation continue to rise, reduction in SNAP benefits, and a failure to increase the federal minimum wage in over 10 years, it is imperative that we take bold steps to ensure our neighbors are able to maintain a dignified quality of life,” said Sharif Aly, Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Relief USA.

“At MALIKAH we know that food security is necessary for the safety and wellness of women and girls in our community. In fact, lack of food insecurity doubles the risk of gender violence facing women and girls. For Muslims observing Ramadan, this month-long fast can be incredibly challenging in the face of food insecurity facing so many working class immigrant New Yorkers. In the spirit and value of what the month of Ramadan teaches us we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our Astoria community has access to nutritious food. We are delighted to be partnering with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s Office and Islamic Relief USA to distribute 1200 meals to our neighbors right here in Queens throughout the month of March and April,” said Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director of MALIKAH.

“As the food insecurity challenges grow for the local community, the Muslim American Society of NY is proud to partner with Islamic Relief and the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to support struggling families during the blessed month of Ramadan through the hot meals distribution program! The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) stated; ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is full while his neighbor goes hungry.’ With our collective efforts, these families will continue to receive the support they need during these challenging times,” said Taher Abdelhadi, Executive Director of Muslim American Society – New York.

“We are truly grateful for our partnership with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander’s office, and Islamic Relief USA, to be providing Iftar-on-the-Go meals to our community this Ramadan. As an organization that tries to meet the food insecurity needs of Muslim New Yorkers, this program is vital to ensuring that our community members receive the support they need while observing their religious tradition. This shows how inclusive our city is of celebrating our diverse religious traditions,” said Aniqa Nawabi, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network.

“MSSI prides ourselves in creating an environment of quality and equity in all services that we provide. This Ramadan we will carry out our mission to center community dignity and care by joining Islamic Relief USA and Comptroller Lander’s office to provide nutritious meals to families in need on Staten Island. The community is and always will be our priority,” said Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy, Founder and Executive Director of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island (MSSI)

“As we emerge from the pandemic, food insecurity still remains a significant issue for many in our community. At Sapna NYC, we are committed to working to make sure that families have food on the table and to fight for policies that make food justice a reality. We are grateful to partner with Islamic Relief USA and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander for the second year, bringing halal iftar meals to our Bronx community for the month of Ramadan. This work is not only an integral part of Sapna’s mission, but also reflects the spirit of Ramadan and Islam to always care for our brothers and sisters, to lift up those in need, and to share the blessings we have been given,” said Diya Basu-Sen, Executive Director of Sapna NYC, Inc.

‘Iftar on the Go’ halal meal distribution locations and dates are available below:

Bronx
Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Sapna NYC, Inc.
Location: Sapna NYC, Inc., 2348 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462
Dates:

• Friday, March 24 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, March 31 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, April 7 at 2:00 PM
• Friday, April 14 at 2:00 PM

Manhattan
Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Community Network
Location: 96^th Street Mosque, 1711 3^rd Avenue, New York, NY 10029 (Entrance is on 97^th Street side)
Dates:

• Monday, March 27 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 10 at 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 17 at 6:00 PM

Queens
Partners: Islamic Relief USA, Malikah, and Astoria Halal Fridge
Location: Malikah, 25-15 Steinway Street, Queens, NY 11103
Dates:

• Monday, March 27 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 3 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 10 at 6:30 PM
• Monday, April 17 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30PM

Brooklyn
Partners: Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society New York
Location: Muslim American Society Youth Center, 1933 Bath Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11214
Dates:

• Sunday, March 26 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 2 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 9 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, April 16 at 6:00 PM

Staten Island
Partners: Islamic Relief USA, A Chance in Life, and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, Inc.
Location: A Chance In Life / The Village, 1100 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Dates:

• Wednesday, March 29 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 5 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30PM

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