November 2025 Impact Report
When the Benefits Didn’t Arrive, MSS Was There
In November 2025, over 1.7 million New Yorkers experienced an alarming pause in their SNAP (food stamp) benefits due to a federal government shutdown. The disruption, beginning around November 1, left thousands of families without their expected food assistance during a critical time. Though New York State intervened, using its own funds to restore November benefits by November 9, the temporary lapse underscored the vulnerability of the city’s most underserved communities.
Throughout this period, MUNA Social Services (MSS) witnessed a surge in need. Its Nourish Emergency Food Assistance Program (NEFAP) stepped up to distribute food to over 28,500 individuals, delivering more than 385,000 pounds of groceries across 32 pantry locations in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
“That week was stressful. I checked my account every day, thinking maybe the SNAP money came in,” said Farida B., a mother of three who visited the Jackson Heights pantry. “When I saw nothing, I went to MSS. They helped us without hesitation.”
Each distribution includes fresh produce, halal meat, and essential pantry items designed to meet both nutritional and cultural needs.
According to Anamul Hoque, Director of Food Operations at MSS, “It’s not just about handing out food. It’s about making sure no one feels alone when systems fall short. We fill in those gaps, and we do it with dignity.”
While the federal government has since passed legislation to fully fund SNAP through the end of the fiscal year 2026, MSS remains committed to being a steady resource—ready to respond when the next crisis hits.
Final Class, Big Smiles, & High Hopes!
On November 9, the second cohort of our SHSAT prep program at Aim High Academy wrapped up its final class. It wasn’t just another session—it was a day to reflect on how far the students had come and to give them a boost of encouragement ahead of the big test.
Staff and instructors came together to run a short motivation program, offering final tips, support, and well-wishes. Students shared laughs and memories over a pizza party that brought the cohort to a close on a high note.
Just a few days later, on November 12, the students sat for the SHSAT exam. The energy leading up to test day was a mix of nerves and pride, and everyone at MSS is rooting for their success.
“I watched my son, Hamza, commit to something that wasn’t easy,” said Sister Sanjana, his guardian. “Being in this program gave him structure, purpose, and a sense of what he’s capable of. No matter what happens next, I know he’s better prepared for the future.”
We’re proud of every student who showed up week after week. This test is one step in their journey, and we’ll continue to support them however we can.
Thanksgiving Support Delivered Across NYC
Throughout the month of November, MUNA Social Services joined hands with a powerful coalition of local elected officials to carry out a citywide Thanksgiving giveaway campaign. Together, we brought food, hope, and holiday support to families facing economic hardship—ensuring no one was left out during a season that’s meant to bring people together.
This effort was made possible through partnerships with:
• Council Member Sandy Nurse
• Council Member Chris Banks
• Council Member Rita Joseph
• Council Member Amanda Farías
• Council Member Pierina Sanchez
• Council Member Chi Ossé
• Assemblymember Nikki Lucas
• District Leader Arlene Alvarez
Across multiple neighborhoods and boroughs, families received Thanksgiving food bags filled with holiday staples. These giveaways lightened the load for hundreds of households, many of whom continue to navigate rising costs and food insecurity.
MSS extends its deepest appreciation to every elected official who stood beside us—not just to provide meals, but to show up for their constituents in a meaningful and direct way. These partnerships represent what true public service looks like when it meets grassroots action.
Senior Connection Launches in Kensington!
On the evening of November 24, 2025, MUNA Social Services’ Senior Connection program hosted its first-ever event in Kensington, Brooklyn—marking a meaningful expansion of its outreach to local seniors.
Held in a welcoming community space, the event offered attendees a warm dinner, heartfelt conversations, and a chance to unwind with others in their age group. Alongside the meal, seniors received food bags filled with essential grocery items to take home. The evening aimed to reduce isolation, provide nourishment, and offer a moment of community at the end of the day.
“This is just the beginning,” said Shafayet Safa, Executive Director of MSS. “Our goal is to build spaces across the city where seniors feel seen, cared for, and connected.”
MSS extends its deep appreciation to Council Member Shahana Hanif, the NIA Community Services Network, and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) for their partnership in making this program possible. Their support reflects a shared commitment to uplifting seniors in Brooklyn and beyond.
With strong turnout and growing interest, MSS plans to continue offering monthly evening programs in Kensington as part of its long-term investment in senior wellbeing.
MSS and IRUSA Distribute Halal Turkeys to Brooklyn Families
On November 26, 2025, MUNA Social Services partnered with Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to host a Thanksgiving halal turkey distribution at Baitul Mamur Masjid in Brooklyn. Together, the two organizations provided over 260 halal turkeys, along with additional food staples, to help families prepare for the holiday season with dignity and ease.
This partnership reflected a shared commitment to culturally appropriate food access and community-centered service. Volunteers from both MSS and IRUSA worked throughout the day to ensure families received their items smoothly and respectfully.
“Working with IRUSA on this initiative was a perfect example of what collaboration can accomplish,” said Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Director of Operations and Communication at MSS. “We were able to reach more people, in more meaningful ways, because we did it together.”
MSS extends its sincere thanks to IRUSA, Baitul Mamur Masjid, and all the volunteers who helped make this effort possible. It was more than just a food distribution—it was a reminder of what community care looks like in action.
MSS Attends Launch of Brooklyn Collective Clergy Council
On November 15, 2025, MUNA Social Services joined community and faith leaders for the launch of the Brooklyn Collective Clergy Council (BCCC), a newly formed interfaith effort focused on bridging the gap between law enforcement, local clergy, and the communities they serve.
The event was a meet-and-greet held to introduce the council’s mission and founding members. Pastor Al Adams and Minister Daron Linson spearheaded the creation of BCCC with a shared vision of building trust, promoting dialogue, and fostering stronger community partnerships rooted in both faith and accountability.
Representing MSS, Dr. Jahangir Kabir attended the gathering to express support for this collaborative effort and to build connections around shared goals of justice, safety, and community care.
MSS looks forward to continued engagement with BCCC and supporting initiatives that bring people together across lines of faith and service.
CCRB and MSS Team Up to Raise Awareness
On November 18, the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) joined MUNA Social Services at the Baitul Aman Islamic Center in the Bronx to distribute food and share key information with the local community. Just days later, on November 24, CCRB continued this collaborative outreach at Castle Hill Jame Masjid, expanding the impact of their initiative.
At both sites, CCRB staff not only volunteered to assist with food distribution but also handed out bilingual pamphlets in English and Bangla. These materials aimed to increase awareness of the CCRB’s services, which include investigating complaints against members of the NYPD and educating New Yorkers on their rights.
Anamul Hoque, MSS’s Director of Food Operations and site lead at Baitul Aman, appreciated the presence of the CCRB team:
“When I first heard CCRB would be joining us, I was glad—it’s important for our clients to feel heard and informed, not just fed. The team brought both resources and respect to our community.”
This partnership reflects a growing recognition that food insecurity and civic engagement go hand in hand. By connecting families not only with nourishment but with knowledge, MSS continues to bridge gaps between immediate needs and long-term empowerment.
MSS Brings a Taste of Thanks to the 75th Precinct
On November 25, 2025, MUNA Social Services delivered a full Thanksgiving meal to officers and staff at the NYPD’s 75th Precinct in East New York. The warm gesture was a token of appreciation for those who serve the community year-round—especially during the busy holiday season.
The menu included traditional favorites and halal entrees, all prepared with care and served fresh at the precinct. Officers were welcomed to sit down, grab a plate, and enjoy a moment of warmth and gratitude before returning to duty.
MSS thanks the 75th Precinct for their ongoing service and wishes all frontline workers a safe and peaceful holiday season.
2024 Annual Impact Report Now Available
We invite you to take a look at the report and explore the work we’ve done together in 2024.