Food Aid

Our Dedication to Fighting Hunger

Our vision at IRUSA is a world free of poverty – and hunger is deeply intertwined with poverty. More than enough food is produced around the world to feed the global population.  However, more than 44 million people in the US are food insecure, forced to turn to food banks, food pantries, and community organizations to help feed their families. 

Food aid is the largest sector of IRUSA’s humanitarian aid. Our food aid programs range from worldwide distribution during the Ramadan and Qurbani seasons to mobilized deliveries right here at home. Across the globe, we’re working hard to make sure that our neighbors have enough to eat.

A Sample of Our Food Programs

Ramadan

Specifically designed to complement projects that provide sustainable ways to improve the quality of living of our brothers and sisters around the world, our Ramadan food program is a major part of our campaign to end hunger and poverty. In 2024, IRUSA worked with 83 partners across the country to provide food to 80,442 people. 

Visit irusa.org/ramadan for more information. 

Qurbani/Udhiyah

Qurbani/Udhiyah is our biggest single food-sharing program. For many people who receive this gift, it is the only meat they will eat all year. In 2024, IRUSA worked with 64 partners across the country to provide halal meat to 60,000 people*.

Visit irusa.org/qurbani for more information.

Hot Meals

Through our Hot Meals program, we’re working to alleviate food insecurity in major urban cities across the US. With your support, we’re able to reach vulnerable groups and communities whose food and nutrition security have been adversely affected by poverty. In 2024, Islamic Relief USA worked with six partners across the country to provide food to 146,000 people*.

This includes the following:

• 78,000 low-income families and elderly people provided hot meals in partnership with the Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD)

• 8,600 people provided hot meals in partnership with the Office of the New York City Comptroller during Ramadan

• 60,000+ unhoused people provided hot meals through the IRUSA Food Truck in New York City (Oct.-Dec.)*

Summer Food Service Program

We strive to increase access to food and support those struggling not only during the school year but in the summer as well. Only one in six students receive free or reduced-price meals over the summer. That’s why Islamic Relief USA is a proud supporter of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, a program dedicated to combat food insecurity by providing safe spaces for children in need to receive meals during their break. In 2024, Islamic Relief USA worked with nine partners to provide over 50,000 people with healthy, balanced meals*.

Turkey distribution

Every Thanksgiving, millions of families across the country gather around their tables and enjoy a delicious turkey meal. For many families, however, the cost of participating in the joy of the holiday is unfortunately too high. That’s why every November, Islamic Relief USA hosts turkey distributions in cities across the country. In 2024, Islamic Relief USA worked with 60 partners to distribute turkey to 80,000 people*.