Barakah Bowlz: Blessed & Balanced

My name is Zoya and I am a 13-year-old, 8th grader based in the Walnut Creek/East Bay area with a passion for the culinary arts. This Ramadan, I want to turn my love for cooking into an act of service through Barakah Bowlz.

In our tradition, we are taught that "the best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." By naming this project Barakah Bowlz, I am honoring the concept that food does not decrease when shared—instead, it increases in blessing or “barakah.”

Our mission in the future is to partner with local community organizations across Contra Costa County to provide "Blessed and Balanced" meals to our neighbors in greatest need, regardless of their background. What makes Barakah Bowlz so unique is our focus on 100% halal, nutritious meals with high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors true to our heritage.

I will be hosting my first event as an iftar at my local mosque, Darul-Islam Masjid, this Ramadan. I am starting by raising funds for this event to feed approximately 100 people. This will be an opportunity for me to learn what it takes to plan and execute, and what better way to start than with our Muslim brothers and sisters in faith. Our mosque congregation is very diverse and includes many food insecure/refugee families in need.

My initial goal is to raise $1500 towards this event. Your generous donation is greatly appreciated.

With gratitude,

Zoya