May 2025 Impact Report
NYC City Council Speaker Visits MSS Warehouse to Address Food Insecurity and Community Uplift
On May 16, 2025, MUNA Social Services was honored to welcome Adriene Adams, the Speaker of the New York City Council to its warehouse facility in Ozone Park, Queens. The visit brought together city leadership and MUNA’s executive team for an in-depth discussion on some of the most pressing challenges facing New York’s underserved communities.
During the visit, the Speaker toured the warehouse that serves as a vital distribution hub for MUNA’s 32 food pantries across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. With over half a million people served annually, MUNA Social Services plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity—especially in immigrant and low-income neighborhoods.
The conversation centered on how the City Council and grassroots organizations like MSS can work together to strengthen the emergency food network, ensure culturally appropriate food access, and scale innovative hunger relief models.
Beyond food access, the dialogue also focused on expanding educational opportunities in marginalized communities. MUNA leadership highlighted programs such as ESL classes, afterschool enrichment, and digital literacy training—resources that are helping immigrant families achieve long-term stability.
MUNA Social Services Joins NY Muslim Advocacy Day to Fight Food Insecurity
On May 6, 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) proudly joined MUNA Alliance for Peace and Justice (MUNA-APJ) at the New York Muslim Advocacy Day (NY-MAD) in Albany to raise their voices for a critical cause: ending food insecurity across New York State. As part of this united advocacy effort, MSS stood alongside MUNA-APJ and other community leaders to call for increased funding for essential food programs, including SNAP benefits, Nourish NY, and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP).
Together, they urged policymakers to strengthen the safety net that supports thousands of struggling families, ensuring that no New Yorker has to face hunger alone. MSS is honored to be part of
Brooklyn Unites: Pop-Up Pantries Bring Relief to Families
MUNA Social Services (MSS), Uncommon Schools, and Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez’s office have teamed up with El Puente and Los Sures to host vital pop-up pantries in Brooklyn. These collaborations are making a real difference, providing food and essential resources directly to families in need.
The partnerships leverage each organization’s strengths: MUNA’s community welfare expertise, Uncommon Schools’ accessible locations and volunteers, and Council Member Gutierrez’s logistical support and outreach. El Puente and Los Sures further enhance these efforts with their deep community ties.
“It’s inspiring to see what we achieve together,” says Dr. Jahangir Kabir, MSS Director of Operations & Communication
The success of these pantries shows the power of unity. When organizations and local governments collaborate, impactful change happens. Look out for future pantry dates – Brooklyn takes care of its own!
Nourishing Our Neighbors: MUNA Social Services Food Distribution at Masjid Ibrahim
On Saturday, May 10th, 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) was honored to partner with the Islamic Society of Delaware (Masjid Ibrahim) to distribute essential food items to families in our community. The event, held at the Masjid Ibrahim, saw a wonderful turnout, with over 200 families receiving a variety of nutritious staples.
Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and dignified distribution. Each family received a package containing items such as onions, potatoes, rice, lentils, apples, grapes, tomatoes, and shelf-stable goods, providing much-needed support.
The spirit of community and compassion was palpable throughout the day. A volunteer shared his thoughts: “Islam emphasizes the importance of caring for our neighbors and supporting those in need. This food distribution is a beautiful example of our faith in action, bringing tangible help and hope to families within our community.
“The impact of this food distribution was deeply felt by the recipients. Sarah, a single mother of four, expressed her gratitude: “As a single mom, sometimes putting enough food on the table can be a real struggle. This support from MSS and Masjid Ibrahim means the world to my children and me. Knowing there are people who care makes such a difference.
“MUNA Social Services is deeply grateful for the partnership with Masjid Ibrahim and the dedication of all the volunteers who made this food distribution a success. We remain committed to serving our community and fostering initiatives that bring relief and support to those who need it most. Together, we can build a stronger and more compassionate society.
Turning Pressure into Power: Test Prep at Aim High Academy
As part of our continued mission to uplift and empower students, Aim High Academy expanded its academic offerings last April and this May to include targeted state test preparation for elementary, middle, and high school students. With standardized testing season in full swing, our team recognized the urgent need to help students not just prepare — but thrive — under pressure.
From foundational reading comprehension and math fluency to advanced test-taking strategies, our educators and academic mentors delivered high-impact sessions tailored to each grade level’s needs. Students engaged in interactive group lessons, took diagnostic and practice tests, and received individualized support to close learning gaps and boost confidence. Many of our tutors are high-achieving high school or college students themselves — creating a relatable, encouraging atmosphere for younger learners.
Beyond just academics, our test prep program emphasized mindset and motivation. Through pep talks, positive reinforcement, and a focus on growth, we helped students see testing not as a source of anxiety, but as a moment to shine. The results? Stronger test scores, deeper subject understanding, and countless students walking into their exams believing in themselves.
This initiative reflects what Aim High is all about: meeting students where they are and guiding them toward excellence. It’s not just about one test — it’s about building lifelong learners who feel prepared, supported, and seen.
Big news! MUNA Social Services is now officially active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and YouTube! As our programs continue to grow, we’re bringing our mission to your favorite platforms—so you can stay connected, inspired, and involved like never before.
By joining us online, you’ll gain:
– Real-time updates on our youth programs, food pantries, community services, and events
– Impact stories that highlight the voices of students, families, and volunteers
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and moments of community care
– Short-form videos on TikTok & Reels, and longer features on YouTube
– Opportunities to volunteer, donate, or advocate for causes that matter
Whether it’s a heartfelt student testimonial, a food pantry highlight reel, or a quick glimpse into our tutoring sessions — you’ll see the impact up close and personal.🔗 Let’s connect and amplify our mission — one post, story, and video at a time.
📲 Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · TikTok · X (formally known as Twitter) · Snapchat · YouTube → @munassinc
The Dire State of Hunger in New York City:
MUNA Social Services Serves Over 30,000 People in May 2025 with 450,000 Pounds of Food
In May 2025, MUNA Social Services (MSS) reached a remarkable milestone in its fight against hunger—distributing over 450,000 pounds of food to more than 30,000 individuals across its 32 food pantries in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. This effort highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving low-income families, seniors, immigrants, and vulnerable populations with culturally appropriate and nutritious food.
“Our work is not just about food—it’s about dignity, equity, and hope,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations at MSS. “Behind every pound of food is a family, a child, or an elder who deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. We are grateful to our partners and volunteers who make this work possible every day.
”For many, MSS is more than just a food provider—it is a lifeline.
A disabled mother of three in the Bronx, who regularly visits her local MSS pantry, shared:
“With my health issues and three kids to care for, I often have to choose between groceries and rent. MSS’s pantry is the only reason my children go to bed with full stomachs. They treat us with respect, and that means everything to a mother like me.”
As food insecurity continues to rise, MSS remains steadfast in its mission to ensure no family is left behind. Through partnerships, compassion, and grassroots action, MSS is not only feeding communities—it’s uplifting them.
We’re Live — Follow MSS Everywhere!