December 2024: Impact Report

Farewell to Abdullah Arif: A Visionary Leader

As we bid farewell to our President, Br. Abdullah Arif, we celebrate his remarkable leadership that transformed MUNA Social Services (MSS). Under his guidance, MSS expanded the Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program, serving over half a million people annually through 34 food pantries. He championed youth empowerment with Aim High Academy and launched impactful initiatives like the Community Help Desk and Lifetime Learning Institute.

Br. Arif also led significant advancements in MSS’s infrastructure, overseeing the purchase of a warehouse, a brand-new box truck, and a forklift, ensuring greater efficiency in serving our communities. His vision of equity, dignity, and opportunity elevated MSS’s impact and set a foundation for future growth.

As he transitions to his new role as Assistant Executive Director at MUNA, we thank Br. Arif for his unwavering dedication and wish him continued success. His legacy will inspire us for years to come. Join us in honoring Abdullah’s contributions and carrying forward his vision of service and empowerment!

Welcoming Br. Shafayet Hussain Safa as President of MUNA Social Services

We are thrilled to welcome Br. Shafayet Hussain Safa as the new President of MUNA Social Services (MSS). Br. Safa brings over 20 years of invaluable experience as a grassroots community organizer and a proven fundraiser, making him an exceptional choice to lead MSS into its next chapter of growth and impact.

As the former New York South Zone President of MUNA, Br. Safa has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving communities and fostering meaningful change. His expertise in mobilizing resources and building partnerships will be instrumental in advancing MSS’s mission to provide equitable access to food, education, and essential services.

We are excited for the vision, passion, and leadership Br. Safa brings to MSS. Together, we look forward to continuing to empower communities and create opportunities for all.

Please join us in welcoming Br. Shafayet Hussain Safa and supporting him as he leads MSS into a brighter future!

A Season of Service: MUNA Social Services’ December 2024 Food Distribution

In December 2024, MUNA Social Services reached a significant milestone in the fight against hunger by distributing over 350,000 pounds of culturally appropriate food—valued at more than $730,000—to more than 29,000 individuals across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the unwavering support of our community partners.

At the heart of this month-long endeavor were our 17 regular food pantries and an expanding network of more than 10 pop-up sites. Each location was carefully stocked with a variety of groceries that respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of those we serve, ensuring that every household could enjoy nutritious, familiar meals.

MUNA Social Services’ approach is grounded in our core values of fairness and empowerment. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each community, we help foster greater equity in access to essential resources. Our commitment goes beyond simply delivering food: we are working to uplift the communities we serve, supporting families as they strive toward stability and self-sufficiency.

As we move forward, MUNA Social Services remains focused on broadening our reach and refining our services. With every pound of food delivered and every person served, we take another step toward a future where no one goes hungry. Together, we are making a positive, lasting impact—one meal at a time.

MUNA Social Services and Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Unite to Fight Hunger

On December 4, 2024, Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communications at MUNA Social Services, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Kim Council to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Brooklyn. During the discussion, Dr. Kabir emphasized MUNA Social Services’ critical role in the community, operating 10 food pantries strategically located throughout the borough.

The dialogue centered around enhancing resource accessibility and developing innovative strategies to combat hunger more effectively. Dr. Kabir outlined MUNA’s commitment to holistic support, including plans to improve food distribution systems, increase community outreach, and engage local businesses and organizations in their mission. In response, Deputy Borough President Council reaffirmed her dedication to tackling food insecurity and expressed strong support for MUNA Social Services.

The collaboration represents a landmark step toward eradicating hunger in Brooklyn, as both MUNA Social Services and the Borough President’s office share a vision of a community where no resident struggles with food insecurity. Together, they plan to implement programs that not only address immediate needs but also empower individuals and families to achieve long-term stability. These efforts align with broader citywide initiatives to reduce poverty and promote equity, ensuring that Brooklyn remains a beacon of resilience and inclusivity.

MUNA Social Services Expands Its Reach: 12 New Food Pantries Open in NYC

MUNA Social Services is thrilled to announce the opening of 10 new food pantries across New York City! This expansion marks a significant milestone in our mission to fight food insecurity and serve the most vulnerable members of our community. With these new locations, we will be able to support an additional 5,000 families in need, bringing hope and nourishment to even more households.

Addressing the Growing Need

New York City is a vibrant hub of diversity, but it is also home to many families who struggle to put food on the table. At MUNA Social Services, we believe that access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food is a basic human right. Over the years, the demand for our services has grown, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges that followed. Our expansion is a direct response to this growing need. By strategically placing these new food pantries in underserved neighborhoods, we aim to ensure that no family in NYC has to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.

What Sets Us Apart

MUNA Social Services is committed to providing more than just food. We strive to offer culturally appropriate options that reflect the diverse communities we serve. Whether it’s halal meat for Muslim families or staples that are familiar to immigrant communities, we prioritize dignity and respect in every interaction. In addition, our pantries are more than just places to pick up groceries—they are hubs of support and connection. Families visiting our pantries often have access to additional resources, such as financial literacy workshops, educational programs, and referrals to other social services.

Making a Difference, Together

This expansion would not have been possible without the support of our incredible donors, volunteers, and community partners. Your contributions have allowed us to scale our operations and bring relief to thousands more families. With the addition of these 10 new food pantries, MUNA Social Services now operates 27 locations across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, serving over half a million people annually. We’re also excited to welcome new volunteers and community members who want to join our mission. If you’re interested in making a difference, there are plenty of ways to get involved—from volunteering your time to donating supplies or funds.

A Brighter Future for NYC Families

As we celebrate this achievement, we remain deeply committed to our vision of a community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. The opening of these new food pantries is just one step in our ongoing effort to combat poverty and inequality.

We invite you to visit one of our locations, spread the word about our services, and partner with us as we continue to make a positive impact. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

For more information about our new food pantries or to find out how you can help, visit MUNA Social Services contact. Thank you for your unwavering support in helping us serve NYC’s families in need!

MUNA Social Services Announces Mohammed A. Rahman (Munna) as Director of Community Help Desk

We are excited to share the appointment of Mohammed Abdur Rahman (Munna) as the new Director of the Community Help Desk at MUNA Social Services. Munna brings with him over 18 years of management experience at the Assistant General Manager (AGM) level in a high-profile American retail supermarket, along with an impressive 20-year track record of community service and legal support.

Throughout his two decades of grassroots work, Munna has assisted countless individuals and families with immigration services, income tax preparation, SNAP (food stamp) applications, health insurance, and a variety of other legal and administrative needs—from name changes to job placement services. His deep commitment to helping others and his hands-on experience make him the perfect fit to lead our new Community Help Desk.

In his role as Director, Munna will be responsible for providing crucial one-on-one guidance, ensuring that community members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. From navigating paperwork to finding the right social services, Munna and his team will be there every step of the way.

We look forward to the positive impact Munna’s leadership will bring to the Community Help Desk and to the many lives touched by MUNA Social Services. Please join us in welcoming Munna to his new position and stay tuned for more updates on the valuable services our Community Help Desk will offer.

MUNA Social Services Announces Launch of Community Help Desk

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Community Help Desk, a dedicated resource aimed at providing one-on-one guidance and support to members of our community. This fully staffed help desk will serve as a “one-stop shop” for crucial services, including immigration assistance, SNAP benefit support, housing help, job placement, and health insurance enrollment.

Under the leadership of Mohammed A. Rahman (Munna)—who brings over 20 years of experience in community development and advocacy—our team is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. Whether you’re seeking advice on navigating paperwork for SNAP benefits, exploring job opportunities, or learning more about health insurance options, our knowledgeable staff will be here to assist you every step of the way.

At MUNA Social Services, our mission has always been to offer culturally appropriate food and services that empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The new Community Help Desk is just one more way we’re working to make that vision a reality. Stay tuned for more updates and details on how you can connect with these services—together, we’re building stronger communities for all.