Each year, the Islamic Food Bank (IFB) provides 200 Ramadan food packages to Muslim and refugee families in need throughout northwest Ohio.
The program, running since the founding of IFB in 2008, works with mosques, Islamic organizations and refugee support organizations in the area to ensure that families have the means to break their fast each night during the month of Ramadan. Only families who have already registered with their local mosque or support organization will be eligible to collect a package.
The food packages consist of two boxes of staple food items like dates, tahini, rice and chickpeas and 20 pounds of fresh chicken. Additional items include applesauce, peanut butter, pudding and spices. Additionally, 75 care packages consisting of dates, tea and snacks will be distributed to Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo for international students.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holiest month of the year. A strict fast is kept from before dawn to sunset– Muslims refrain from eating or drinking (even water) when the sun is up. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline and a way to empathize with those who are less fortunate. Each day begins with suhoor, a small meal eaten before dawn, and ends with iftar, the fast-breaking meal, followed by dinner. Eid al-Fitr, or the “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast,” is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. After communal morning prayers, Muslims celebrate with family, food, and fun activities.
“The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims try to build a closer relationship with God through fasting, prayer, charity and good works. The Ramadan Food Package Program ensures that all Muslims have the opportunity to celebrate the holy month,” said Lauren Bacans-Grounds, IFB executive director.
Donations to the program can be made throughout the month of Ramadan at islam icfoodbank.org/donate.
