New York government feeds Muslims with half a million meals during Ramadan

Correspondent: Muizat Hameed

The Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has announced New York City’s intention to serve a 500,000 halal meals during the month of Ramadan.

Not less than 400,000 halal meals will be distributed at 32 Department of Education buildings and another 100,000 will be served through community organizations during the month. The city also provides Kosher meals for Jews.

“This initiative is part of a program that has served at least 10 million grab-and-go meals at 435 sites and via taxi to housebound New Yorkers, at a cost of at least $170 million,” the Mayor said.

“One of Ramadan’s most noble callings is to feed the hungry,” de Blasio said during a Thursday news briefing.

He added that “(we need) to remember to be there for those in need. And that (it) is now harder than ever now that people can’t go to their mosques.”

City officials expect the food crisis to become more acute. The mayor has estimated the city will lose at least 475,000 jobs due to the lockdown forced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

De Blasio said city officials expect to provide at least 10 million meals this month, and are prepared to serve 15 million in May.

“No New Yorker will go hungry,” he vowed. “Your city will provide.”