Fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow, and a Chicago nonprofit is spending the day addressing what leaders say is a critical need.
“Today is our pre-Ramadan food distribution.”
We chat with Atya Kazmi, Area Manager for the Islamic Circle of North America Relief’s Chicago chapter, inside their North Side headquarters…while outside, hundreds of families wait in a winding line.
“This is such an important month. People are fasting and they don’t want any shortages in terms of food.”
The nonprofit has been hosting the giveaway for a number of years, focusing on items like rice, dates and other Ramadan staples that are sometimes hard to find at area food pantries.
“I have seen people standing in lines whether it’s summer, whether it’s snowing, whether it’s raining. The need is real. Food scarcity is there. To stand up for our neighbors, that’s what ICNA Relief is doing.”