NY1.com | Brooklyn food distribution event helps people in need during Ramadan

“As volunteers stuffed bags and boxes with hot Halal meals, many grateful people lined up outside the Muslim American Society Youth Center in Bensonhurst on Sunday.

During tough economic times, many were thankful to take home several bags of free meals, so that they could have something to eat during Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community observed by Muslims.

“I’m very grateful for it, because not everyone has food to feed their family,” said Tasbha Tahir, who attended the event. “And I’m so grateful for everything.”

 

The Sunday food distribution event was sponsored by Islamic Relief USA Partners, with Comptroller Brad Lander’s office.

Officials said the goal was to fight food insecurity by distributing culturally sensitive meals, at no cost, that could be devoured as Muslims broke their nightly fast during the month of Ramadan. Organizers said they would be serving around 7,500 meals throughout the month.

“So this is right here in Brooklyn,” said Kesha Abdul-Mateen, with U.S. Programs, Islamic Relief USA. “We have a location [on] Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx.”

Malik Hassan, the youth center’s executive director, said hosting an event like this speaks to the dire need for food assistance for so many in his community.

“This youth center already has a weekly food pantry that anyone can walk into given time of the week,” Hassan said. ‘So an event like this, offering an additional resource for the community, those particularly struggling with food insecurity, this provides them with an extra level of relief during a time when many communities around the city, especially South Brooklyn, are celebrating and having a large feast.’ ”