In response to growing food insecurity and rising food prices in the United States, ICNA Relief, a domestic organization under the Islamic Circle of North America, launched a Ramadan Food Box program. The goal is to distribute these boxes to 24,000 families during Ramadan, offering not only sustenance but also foods that align with the dietary guidelines of the Muslim community.

The program was born out of a critical need, as the cessation of pandemic-related enhancements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has left many struggling to afford meals. The challenge is particularly pronounced among those observing Halal dietary rules, who often find it difficult to secure culturally relevant foods.

A community-based approach is fundamental to ICNA Relief‘s mission, ensuring they cater to the specific needs and cultural practices of the community members they serve. A study by the Arab-American Family Support Center revealed that just 38% of 75 surveyed food pantries in New York City offered Halal food options, further highlighting the importance of initiatives like ICNA Relief‘s Ramadan Food Boxes.

ICNA Relief is focused on making everyone, including refugees, recent immigrants, and those dealing with food insecurity, feel part of the community. Their Ramadan Food Box program specifically serves low-income families and others in need during the fasting month, offering staple items like rice, flour, and oil, among other foods traditionally consumed during Ramadan.

Supported by donations from local communities and volunteers, ICNA Relief distributes these boxes through its network of over 50 food pantries in 24 states. The organization sees itself as a platform for good, earning support from community members who anticipate and rely on its programs. Thus far, the program has delivered 9,200 food boxes in 138 cities, and Zahid Hussain, Director of Hunger Prevention for ICNA Relief, anticipates these numbers will continue to rise.