February 2025: Impact Report

The Dire State of Hunger in New York City

In the city of opportunity, it’s unacceptable that nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers, including 1 in 4 children, face food insecurity. Even before COVID-19, far too many households were struggling to afford essentials like rent, utilities, and food. Now, with the expiration of pandemic-era supports and rising costs, food insecurity has reached crisis levels.

At MUNA Social Services, we believe no one should go hungry. Our team is committed to ensuring that nutritious, culturally appropriate food reaches New Yorkers in need, free of charge.

Since the pandemic, visits to food pantries have surged by 75%. For many families, food is the first expense to be cut when budgets are tight, even though 80% of struggling households have at least one working adult. Hunger doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts entire communities, from health to education and economic stability.

Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger

Through donations, volunteering, and advocacy, you can help us feed families, support communities, and ensure no New Yorker has to worry about their next meal. Together, we can create a city where everyone thrives.

At MUNA Social Services, feeding hope is our mission.

MUNA Social Services Hosts First-Ever Fundraising Event in New Jersey

In a milestone moment for MUNA Social Services (MSS) New Jersey, the organization held its first-ever fundraising event at Toros Restaurant in Clifton, NJ. This special evening brought together MSS leadership, local philanthropists, and elected officials, including the Mayor of Prospect Park, NJ, in a shared commitment to fighting food insecurity.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees coming together to support a vital cause—sustaining the food pantry operations in Paterson and Prospect Park. Through generous donations and pledges, MSS will continue providing essential groceries to families in need across these communities.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, MSS Director of Operations and Communications. “This event marks the beginning of a stronger, more sustainable effort to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”

With this successful fundraiser, MSS New Jersey is looking ahead to expanding its

impact and strengthening its food relief initiatives.

Thank you to all who contributed—together, we are making a difference!

MUNA Social Services Opens Second Aim High Academy in Jackson Heights

On February 4, 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) proudly launched its second Aim High Academy location in Jackson Heights, welcoming 20 students to a transformative educational experience. Building on the success of the Brooklyn branch, this new academy is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth for students in grades 3 through 10.

At the heart of the program are two Academic Mentors, both students from Stuyvesant High School, who are providing instruction based on MSS’s approved curriculum. Through Homework Help, Enrichment Programs, and Social-Emotional Support, Aim High Academy continues to empower students with the tools they need to succeed.

“The opening of this branch marks another step in our mission to provide quality education and mentorship to underserved communities,” said an MSS representative.

With a strong foundation in place, Aim High Academy in Jackson Heights is set to inspire, educate, and uplift students, shaping them into the next generation of leaders. Together, we continue to Aim High!

MUNA Social Services Partners with Arab American Family Support Center to Feed 200+ Families

On February 12, 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) joined forces with the Arab American Family Support Center to bring much-needed food assistance to families in Brooklyn. Through this partnership, over 200 families received essential groceries, ensuring they had access to nutritious meals during these challenging times.

Volunteers from both organizations worked tirelessly to distribute fresh produce, pantry staples, and culturally appropriate food items, reinforcing the shared commitment to combating food insecurity in the community.

“This collaboration reflects the power of unity,” said an MSS representative. “Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

MSS remains dedicated to expanding its outreach through strategic partnerships, ensuring that no family goes hungry. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!

MUNA Social Services Distributes 4,000 Cases of Dates for Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, MUNA Social Services (MSS) is preparing to distribute 4,000 cases of dates to help families and communities observe this sacred time with ease. These dates will reach over 100 masjids across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, as well as hundreds of families in need throughout these states.

Recognizing the importance of breaking fast with this traditional and nourishing food, MSS is ensuring that no one is left behind. Volunteers are working tirelessly to distribute the dates, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and community that defines Ramadan.

“This initiative is about more than just food—it’s about strengthening bonds and ensuring that every family can observe Ramadan with dignity,” said an MSS representative.

As we enter this holy month, MSS remains committed to serving and uplifting the community, one act of kindness at a time.

MUNA Social Services Partners with IRUSA to Deliver 4,000 Ramadan Food Boxes

In the spirit of Ramadan, MUNA Social Services (MSS) proudly partnered with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to help distribute 4,000 specially prepared food boxes to families in need across the Eastern Seaboard. MSS played a crucial role in the logistics and coordination, ensuring a smooth and efficient distribution process.

To facilitate this massive effort, MSS provided its warehouse facilities in Ozone Park, Queens, as a staging area, allowing IRUSA to organize and dispatch thousands of food packages to needy Families. Volunteers worked diligently to pack and transport essential food items, ensuring that families had the resources they needed to observe Ramadan with dignity.

“This collaboration reflects the power of unity and service; by working together, we are able to reach more families and ensure that no one goes hungry during this blessed month.” said Dr. Kabir, Director of Operation and Communication.

MSS remains committed to serving the community and supporting initiatives that bring hope, nourishment, and relief to those in need. Together, we make a difference!

MUNA Social Services Represents at the 2025 NYPD Pre-Ramadan Conference

On February 19, 2025, our Assistant Director of Education, Tasnimul Abrar, had the honor of attending the NYPD Pre-Ramadan Conference at the Police Academy with the Director of Operations & Communication, Dr. Jahangir Kabir, representing MUNA Social Services. This important annual gathering brought together faith leaders, community organizations, and law enforcement officials to discuss preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the Muslim community across New York City.

During the conference, key discussions centered on public safety during Ramadan, community engagement initiatives, and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and local organizations. As a representative of MUNA Social Services, Tasnimul Abrar and Dr. Jahangir Kabir emphasized the importance of collaboration between community-based organizations and law enforcement in addressing the needs of the Muslim community, particularly in areas of outreach, and social services.

MUNA Social Services remains committed to advocating for meaningful dialogue, inclusivity, and support for Muslim New Yorkers, especially during significant occasions like Ramadan. We appreciate the NYPD’s efforts to engage with the community and look forward to continued collaboration to enhance safety, awareness, and resources for all.

MUNA Social Services: Spreading Hope as Ramadan Approaches

As the sacred month of Ramadan draws near, MUNA Social Services has been working tirelessly to support families in need, ensuring they can prepare for this time of faith, reflection, and community without the burden of food insecurity. In February 2025, our dedicated volunteers distributed over 350,000 pounds of food, valued at more than $550,000, reaching over 26,000 people across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.

With Ramadan on the horizon, these efforts take on even greater significance. Essential staples such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, halal chicken, and fresh produce have helped families stock their kitchens, bringing comfort and nourishment as they prepare for the fasting season. Throughout our distribution sites, we witnessed stories of gratitude—from a mother in the Bronx relieved to have food for suhoor and iftar, to an elderly man in New Jersey finding solace in preparing a home-cooked meal.

“Now I can provide my family with a meal to break their fast,” shared Aisha, a mother of three, expressing the deep impact of our work.

None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, generous donors, and steadfast supporters. Together, we are upholding the spirit of Ramadan—compassion, generosity, and community support—ensuring that no one is left behind.

As we welcome this blessed month, MUNA Social Services remains committed to serving those in need—one meal, one family at a time.

Join us in spreading hope and nourishment this Ramadan!

MUNA Social Services Hosts Food Distributions Across the Region in Preparation for Ramadan

As communities prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan, MUNA Social Services has been actively working to support families in need through food distribution events across various locations—from New York City to Buffalo, from Delaware to Paterson and Prospect Park, NJ.

These food distributions have provided thousands of individuals and families with essential groceries, helping them stock their kitchens and ease their burdens ahead of Ramadan. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can focus on their spiritual and personal growth during this sacred time without worrying about food insecurity.

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and community partners who made these efforts possible. Your support allows us to continue serving those in need and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion.

May this Ramadan bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to all!