This year has been particularly hard on many families in our community due to loss or reduction of income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the normal community safety nets have been hard to keep up because of social distancing and the cancellation of regular events for safety reasons.

Many families struggled with food insecurity before the pandemic and now the situation is even worse. A food give-away event was held at the mosque in June and was met with car lines spanning at least a mile long. This was indicative of a severe need for help in our community.

This fund is for an ongoing food pantry at the mosque which aims to provide modest supplemental food assistance for members of the community at large (anyone in need - not just members of the mosque). The aim is to provide basic food supplies to families on a regular basis so that they may focus more on working, educating their children, and pursuing improvement in their lives.

The food pantry will be a “staple pantry” which distributes a full box of regular items once per month. Boxes will be distributed to families based on income, family size, and access to other forms of food assistance. The aim is not to be exclusionary, but to responsibly distribute resources to those with the greatest need first. Emergency assistance will also be available to those experiencing temporary crisis without any application.

To start, the pantry will need to purchase an insulated and climate controlled shed to keep the food items fresh until they are sorted and distributed. From there, regular monthly food purchases will be made and added to any donated items and items received from other "wholesale" food banks.

We are always open to suggestions and expertise, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have an idea or can help in any way.

Thank you,

Naeem Ramatally