Free Iftar meals are being distributed by local organizations across the city during Ramadan.
Photo by John McCarten/NYC Council
With the holy month of Ramadan underway, organizations are partnering up to distribute thousands of Iftar meals to those in need.
Islamic Relief USA, a longtime non-profit humanitarian agency, and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander are joining forces to lessen food insecurity for those fasting during Ramadan. Together, they’re working with seven local organizations across the five boroughs to distribute halal boxed dinners for Iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal.
“For Muslims at home and across the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of increased worship and heightened compassion for humanity,” said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Relief USA. “In addition to daily fasting, charitable acts and ensuring that our neighbors do not struggle with food insecurity is central to our worship.”
Queens is the only borough that will have the “Iftar On The Go” distributions twice a week, instead of just once like in the other boroughs. The meals will be provided by Astoria Halal Fridge, Malikah Center and Islamic Relief USA.
Distributions will take place every Monday and Wednesday outside of the Malikah Center on Steinway Street in Astoria. The meals will be available starting at 6 p.m. and end once supplies for the day run out.
This is the second year in a row that Malikah, a grassroots organization combating gender and hate based violence, is facilitating food distributions for Ramadan. Based in Astoria, Malikah hosts self-defense training events for women as well as a safety marshal training as an alternative to neighborhood policing.
“Ramadan is a time that amplifies the year-round struggles of food insecurity, an issue we witness daily in our work in Astoria, Queens,” said Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director, Malikah. “Especially knowing that we will be offering halal meals to Muslim asylum…
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