PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Sen. Sharif Street, Philabundance, and a number of city officials and agencies are teaming up for a 30-day food giveaway in observance of Ramadan. Street announced the fourth annual Driving Hunger Away During Ramadan initiative at Philabundance on Monday.
“It’s the opportunity to reach out to others, do outreach and to provide good,” Street said.
During Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world commemorate prophet Muhammad’s first revelation through prayer, reflection and charity. This year, Ramadan runs from March 10 to April 9. During that time, people of the faith will abstain from food and drink daily from sunrise to sunset.
“If you are not able to fast, one way you can make up [for it] is to feed another person at the same level you would have eaten that day,” Street says.
Street says he and others were first inspired to turn this special way of giving back into a citywide initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are continuing to do it now.
“What better way to celebrate this holiday? During Thanksgiving we give out turkeys, Christmas time we give out toys — now Ramadan, we feed people,” said Street.
“I believe this year we will serve 7,600 people meals during the course of Ramadan.”
Philabundance CEO Lorre Jones says the program serves about 200 people every day of the month at 31 sites across Philadelphia.
“The Ramadan meals are being prepared by folks from our community kitchen — delicious and nutritious halal meat and vegetarian meals,” said Jones. “There is a shawarma-spiced chicken and a veggie and chickpea curry.”
The program is open to all, while supplies last. Anyone in need of this assistance is encouraged to register online.