Our vision at Islamic Relief 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, as many as 829 million people go to bed hungry each night – nearly 10% of the global population. The problem is access and availability of nutritious food, which is exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Islam, it is incumbent upon us to feed those in need. “He is not a believer who eats his fill whilst his neighbor beside him goes hungry,” [Bukhari]. Food aid is the largest sector of Islamic Relief’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.
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 2021, Islamic Relief was able to feed over 1 million people across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US.
Visit irusa.org/ramadan for more information.
Qurbani/Udhiyah
Qurbani 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 2021, you shared Qurbani with 823,383 people across the globe in countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Visit irusa.org/qurbani for more information.
Hot Meals
As Islam teaches us, charity starts at home. 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.
For only $10, you can provide a hot meal for your neighbor in need. To take part in this effort, visit irusa.org/hot-meals.
Summer Food Service Program
We strive to increase access to food and support those struggling not only during the school year, but the summer as well. According to a report from the Food Research Action Center, only one in six students receive free or reduced-price meals over the summer. That’s why IRUSA 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 summer break. In 2021 alone, we provided 76,787 people with healthy, balanced meals.
And that’s not all – during the holidays, Islamic Relief works to give the gift of food. Read more about our Turkey Distributions and MLK Day of Service here.
The threat of famine looms over East Africa as conflict and climate induced drought have left nearly 20.5 million people without food. And the number is projected to increase to between 23 and 26 million by February 2023 if immediate action isn’t taken.
As an organization dedicated to providing relief, it is our duty to respond. Islamic Relief is on the ground in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia focusing on interventions such as food security and access to clean water and sanitation. It is our hope to bring dignity to our brothers and sisters across East Africa and let them know they have not been forgotten. To support our efforts across East Africa, visit irusa.org/africa.
Together, we have the power to beat hunger. Join us and dedicate a donation today to help feed our brothers and sisters in need.