NYC Comptroller, Islamic Relief USA, and Community-Based Orgs to Host “Iftar on the Go” Meal Distributions Throughout Ramadan
Over 12,000 halal meals available at grab-and-go sites across the five boroughs
New York, NY – New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Islamic Relief USA are once again partnering with five 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 12,000 boxed dinners on a first-come-first-serve basis as supplies last.
“I am honored, once again, to join Islamic Relief USA and Muslim community-based organizations to provide thousands of halal meals to families in need during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “At a time when tensions with the Trump administration have many of us on edge, this partnership underscores my office’s commitment to standing in service with our fellow New Yorkers, especially when so many are already facing immense challenges. I am proud to be a small part of this necessary work to support our neighbors with dignity and grace, while also celebrating the rich tapestry of religious traditions within our city.”
“The holy month of Ramadan is a time of increased worship and heightened compassion for Muslims around the world. In addition to daily fasting, charitable acts and ensuring that our neighbors do not struggle with food insecurity is central to our worship,” said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Relief USA. “Islamic Relief USA is proud to once again be partnering with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on this rewarding program to help keep New Yorkers across all five boroughs healthy through these nutritious grab-and-go meals.”
Alongside Muslim Community Network, Sapna NYC, Muslim American Society of Brooklyn and Queens, and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, the Comptroller’s Office and Islamic Relief USA will host one “Iftar on the Go” event per week in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, two per week in Queens, and three per week in Staten Island throughout the month of Ramadan. The full schedule with times and partner organizations can be found below.
Iftar on the Go in the Bronx:
Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Sapna NYC, Inc.
Where: 2348 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462
When: 12 p.m. every Friday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Iftar on the Go in Brooklyn:
Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society of New York Brooklyn Branch
Where: 1933 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214
When: 4 p.m. every Sunday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Iftar on the Go in Manhattan:
Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Community Network
Where: 222 East 97th Street, New York, NY 10029
When: 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Iftar on the Go in Queens:
Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society of New York – Queens Branch
Where: 46-01 20th Avenue & 35-13 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
When: 1 p.m. every Sunday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Iftar on the Go in Staten Island:
Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island
Where: PS 18, 221 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310
When: 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Where: 104 Beach Street, Staten Island, NY 10304
When: 3:30 p.m. every Saturday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
“In this moment when we are being overwhelmed by rhetoric about division and austerity, the opportunity for Sapna NYC to once again partner with Islamic Relief USA and Comptroller Lander for the Ramadan ‘Iftar on the Go’ program is a much needed moment for all of us to come together in solidarity with our communities and a reminder that there is always abundance to be shared by all,” said Diya Basu-Sen, Executive Director of Sapna NYC.
“The Iftar on the Go program is a beautiful initiative that brings essential resources and joy to our community during the sacred month of Ramadan. At MAS Brooklyn, we are honored to be part of this effort, ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious meals as they break their fast. This program reflects the spirit of compassion and unity that defines Ramadan and has strengthened our bond as a community,” said Laith Alnatour, Administrative Coordinator of MAS Brooklyn.
“Iftar on the Go allows us to honor Ramadan’s spiritual significance while addressing food insecurity in our community. This initiative strengthens our bonds and celebrates the diversity that makes our city vibrant and resilient. At the Muslim Community Network, we are proud to support and contribute to this meaningful program year after year, embodying the spirit of compassion and community care,” said Husein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network.
“The ‘Iftar on the go program’ will help foster social connections and interactions, that many are seeking and feeling a sense of belonging,” said Sadete Mujovic, Co-Executive Director for MAS Ibn Sina and Dar Al- Dawa in Queens. “This will provide companionship, offer support, and contribute to feelings of a collective community that takes the time to care for them during this blessed month of Ramadan.”
“The Ramadan ‘Iftar on the Go’ provides opportunities for the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island to partner with Comptroller Lander and Islamic Relief USA to provide hot meals to families in the local community we serve, especially in these recent times when many more families need food. We are happy to be a part of this initiative again this year,” said Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy, Executive Director of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
###