NYC Comptroller, Islamic Relief USA, and Community-Based Orgs to Host “Iftar on the Go” Meal Distributions Throughout Ramadan

New York, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Islamic Relief USA are partnering with seven local organizations across the five boroughs to provide Iftar meals to families in need during the month of Ramadan. The weekly “Iftar on the Go” events will distribute over 8,500 boxed dinners on a first-come-first-serve basis as supplies last.

“Ramadan is a month of service and spiritual development that brings Muslim communities together,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “In New York City, nearly one-in-four adults are food insecure, and food pantries have seen a 69% increase in visits by children since 2019. I am honored to join Islamic Relief USA and all the partner organizations to be a small part of the necessary work they do every day to support our neighbors.”

“For Muslims at home and across the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of increased worship and heightened compassion for humanity. In addition to daily fasting, charitable acts and ensuring that our neighbors do not struggle with food insecurity is central to our worship. On behalf of Islamic Relief USA, I am proud to partner with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to meet the fundamental needs of New Yorkers across all five boroughs and deliver healthy, fresh meals to over 8,500 beneficiaries,” said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer, Islamic Relief USA. 

Alongside Malikah, Astoria Halal Fridge, Muslim Community Center, Sapna NYC, Muslim American Society Youth Center, Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, and A Chance in Life, the Comptroller’s Office and Islamic Relief USA will host one “Iftar on the Go” event per week in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island, and two per week in Queens throughout the month of Ramadan. The full schedule with times and partner organizations can be found below.

Iftar on the Go in Queens:

Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA, Malikah, and Astoria Halal Fridge
Where: Malikah, 25-15 Steinway St., Queens, NY 11103
When: 6pm every Monday and Wednesday in Ramadan until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Manhattan:

Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Community Center
Where: 96th Street Mosque, 1711 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10029 (enter on 97th St. side)
When: 6:40pm every Wednesday in Ramadan until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Staten Island:

Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA, Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, and A Chance in Life
Where: A Chance in Life / The Village, 1100 Castleton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310
When: 5pm every Wednesday in Ramadan until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in the Bronx:

Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Sapna NYC, Inc.
Where: Sapna NYC, Inc., 2348 Waterbury Ave., Bronx, NY 10462
When: 2pm every Friday in Ramadan until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Brooklyn:

Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA, Muslim American Society Youth Center, and NYC Council Member Justin Brannan
Where: Muslim American Society Youth Center, 1933 Bath Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11214
When: 4:30pm every Sunday in Ramadan until supplies run out

“For the second year in a row, Malikah is looking forward to collaborating on biweekly food distributions in Queens this Ramadan season. Ramadan is a time that amplifies the year-round struggles of food insecurity, an issue we witness daily in our work in Astoria, Queens. Especially knowing that we will be offering halal meals to Muslim asylum seekers in NYC who are already facing immense challenges, we know how vital this service is. Through our partnership with the NYC Comptroller’s Office and Islamic Relief USA, we are not only providing meals but also offering a sense of dignity and community support to our neighbors who need it most,” said Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director, Malikah.

“With soaring rents and food prices, jobs that offer nothing in the way of benefits or growth, and rising islamophobia, our working-class immigrant families are struggling. We are grateful to partner with Islamic Relief USA and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander for the fourth year, bringing halal iftar meals to our Bronx community for the month of Ramadan. This iftar program allows Sapna NYC to connect with our communities who need assistance and reflects the spirit of Ramadan to lift up those in need. This distribution gives us the opportunity to speak to the community about much needed information and services from voter registration to mental health and what begins as a simple meal, is the start of a relationship with our Sapna NYC team,” said Diya Basu-Sen দিয়া বসু সেন, Executive Director, Sapna NYC, Inc. 

“We are deeply honored to collaborate once again with the office of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Islamic Relief USA for this year’s Iftar on the Go initiative. This partnership underscores our commitment to addressing food insecurity among Muslim New Yorkers during the sacred month of Ramadan. By providing Iftar-on-the-Go meals, we not only support our community members in their observance but also celebrate the rich tapestry of religious traditions within our city. Despite challenges and sorrow facing our community over the past few months, collaborations like this pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive New York for Muslims,” said Husein Yatabarry, Executive Director, Muslim Community Network. 

“At the MAS Youth Center, the first Muslim youth center in the country, we’re honored to be part of the ‘Iftar to Go’ program, embodying the Ramadan spirit of generosity and helping one’s neighbors. Through this partnership, we extend our commitment to serving not just the underserved youth of our community but their families, highlighting the essence of charity and care in our Islamic faith and in this blessed month,” said Malik Hassan, Executive Director, Muslim American Society Youth Center of Brooklyn. 

“It is great to have programs like this to help the community. Halal meals in Ramadan is a God send. It helps organizations like us feed the community during the holy month,” said Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Muslim Sisters of Staten Island. 

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