Category: United States of America

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Baitulmaal Grants $28,000 to Loaves & Fishes of the RGV to Expand Capacity and Support Families in Need

HARLINGEN, TEXAS – November 11, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian organization, has awarded Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley (LFRVG) two grants to provide hot Thanksgiving meals for families in need and strengthen the food pantry’s capacity to serve vulnerable households across the region.

The funding supports the “Harvest of Hope” Turkey Meal Project, which will provide hot, prepared Thanksgiving meals on November 25, 2025, to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Harlingen and Raymondville. The project is expected to serve approximately 760 meals to about 217 households, with on-site dining at the Bread of Life Dining Hall in Harlingen and to-go meals in Raymondville so families can celebrate at home.

A second award, the “LFRGV Capacity & Visibility Grant,” provides strategic operational funding to reinforce Loaves & Fishes’ administrative and program capacity while modernizing its digital outreach. This investment will improve efficiency, increase online visibility, and connect more people in crisis to essential services.

“Each holiday season, we see families who are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table,” said Victor Rivera, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley. “With so much uncertainty about SNAP and other safety-net programs, Baitulmaal’s generosity means hundreds of our neighbors will sit down to a dignified Thanksgiving meal, and our organization will be better equipped to serve them throughout the year.”

The Harvest of Hope meal will be supported by 30–50 volunteers across both sites, including partners such as the Rotary Club of Harlingen, Walmart, Southern Careers Institute and other community groups. Volunteers will help with cooking, plating, serving, packaging and distribution. Outreach will include flyers and targeted social media to ensure families in need know where to find a warm meal and welcoming environment.

“Loaves & Fishes is a trusted community partner that meets people where they are with food, shelter and compassionate support,” said Elizabeth Sohail, Senior Manager of Domestic Programs at Baitulmaal. “By investing in holiday meals and year-round capacity, we are helping ensure that families in the Rio Grande Valley have somewhere to turn when they face hunger and hardship.”

The goal of the grant is to increase support for and expand awareness of services such as meal programs, shelter, food pantry and case management, ultimately reaching an estimated 4,000 individuals and 1,200 households over the project period.

“Strengthening our back-office systems and digital outreach may not be as visible as a holiday meal, but it is just as critical,” Rivera added. “This grant positions us to serve more people, respond more effectively and sustain our work for years to come.”

About Baitulmaal
Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian organization that partners with local agencies to provide life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to underserved communities around the world, regardless of faith or nationality. Its programs include food security, water, health care, education and emergency relief. For more information, visit johnjanney.org/.

About Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.
Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. provides essential services—including meal programs, shelter, food pantry support and case management—to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and economic hardship in the Rio Grande Valley. Guided by a commitment to compassion and dignity, Loaves & Fishes works with community partners to ensure that those in crisis can access the resources they need to stabilize and rebuild their lives.

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Baitulmaal Distributes Fresh Meat for 3K Meals Across the United States

DALLAS, TEXAS June 14, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed fresh meat providing 3,570 meals to families across the United States during the season of Udhiyah.

Approximately 600 families living in Dallas received fresh meat from locally-sourced, humanely-slaughtered cows to celebrate Eid with dignity.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, senior manager of domestic programs at Baitulmaal, the majority of the beneficiaries were women, the elderly and children.​ 

“For many of the families we reached, this was their only chance to celebrate Eid with a proper meal,” Sohail said. “Thanks to our donors, we were able to offer that joy and dignity to our local brothers and sisters.”

According to the USDA, nearly 13.5 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023, meaning they lacked consistent access to enough food for an active, and healthy life.

Baitulmaal’s food distribution during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Udhiyah not only addresses the immediate needs of underserved communities but also promotes core Islamic values such as brotherhood, solidarity, and compassion. Baitulmaal has also been in the United States, delivering food packages to families in need during Ramadan season. 

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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240K Ramadan Meals Delivered in the USA

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DALLAS, TEXAS March 9, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 240,000 meals to families living in the United States during the month of Ramadan.

Food packages containing rice, oil, meat, dates, canned beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and other essential food helped provide daily Ramadan meals to approximately 4,288 people living in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Denton, Tarrant, and Jackson Counties in the state of Texas, as well as in Miami, Florida. 

According to Elizabeth Sohail, senior manager of domestic programs at Baitulmaal, the majority of the beneficiaries were among the most vulnerable, including orphans, refugees, widows, women and the elderly.​ 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for making this project possible and supporting families in need during the holy month,” Sohail stated. “Thanks to their support, we provided assistance and nourishment, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan.”

According to Pew Research Center, approximately 40% of Muslim American households struggle with low income at rates notably higher than the national average, underscoring persistent economic disparities within the community.

Baitulmaal’s food distribution during Ramadan not only addresses the immediate needs of underserved communities but also promotes core Islamic values such as brotherhood, solidarity, and compassion. 

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Emergency Aid Distributed to Stranded Migrants in Texas Border Town

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DALLAS, TEXAS, September 27, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed emergency aid in Del Rio, Texas, where more than 8,000 migrants fleeing violence and poverty are stranded without food, water or basic necessities.

Supplies such as first aid kits, bottled water, clothing, baby formula and diapers were collected at the Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and transported to the migrant encampment under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas, about 150 miles west of San Antonio.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, there were more than 14,000 migrants in this location at one point, and those that remain are facing a growing humanitarian crisis.

“Many of these families fled unimaginable circumstances in their home countries only to be left hungry, thirsty and scared at the border,” Sohail said. “We couldn’t turn a blind eye to their suffering and responded to the call for help as quickly as we could.”

Baitulmaal joined forces with UntilFreedom, Faith for Black Lives, Relief Gang and other aid groups to provide essential supplies to families in need.

Thousands of migrants are seeking asylum from countries such as Chile, Cuba and Venezuela at the U.S. border town of Del Rio, Texas. The majority of recent arrivals have fled political upheaval, civil unrest and a devastating earthquake in Haiti that claimed more than 2,000 lives. Del Rio’s mayor declared a state of emergency last week and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed to the U.S. to end asylum restrictions as migrants face long queues and squalid conditions at the border..

If you would like to contribute to emergency aid programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Delivers 125 Food Boxes in Chicago

CHICAGO, April 23, 2020 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based humanitarian organization, teamed up with the Islamic Community Center of Illinois and MAS Youth Chicago for a drive-through food pantry and delivered 125 food packages to more than 80 families impacted by the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The drive-through food pantry took place at 6425 W Belmont Avenue in Chicago on Thursday, April 23, 2020, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Local residents in need of food assistance drove through and received food box donations. Volunteers wore masks and gloves to protect beneficiaries as they drove through the line.

Baitulmaal Midwest Region Coordinator Saad Hassan said he hopes the food assistance helps people get through these difficult times.

“You can see on their faces that these boxes meant so much more than food,” said Hassan. “Each food package was a box of hope, a lifeline in a time when everyone feels they are drowning.”

Hassan said they packed 100 boxes but ran out one hour early. His group of volunteers put together an additional 25 boxes and distributed those before concluding the program.

Hassan’s organization raised more than $100,000 earlier this month to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We continue to raise money so we can help more people,” Hassan continued. “We want to do more of these drive-through food pantries because they are urgently needed.”

For more information about Baitulmaal or to contribute to its COVID-19 relief fund, please visit https://johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, the charity has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New Jersey as well as international offices in Jordan, Kenya, Somalia and Pakistan.

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100 Families Receive Food Assistance at Drive-Through Food Pantry in Loma Linda

LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, April 18, 2020 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based humanitarian organization, teamed up with the Islamic Community Center of Redlands for a drive-through food pantry and delivered food packages to 100 families impacted by the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The drive-through food pantry took place at 24769 Redlands Blvd in Loma Linda, California, on Saturday, April 18, 2020, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Local residents in need of food assistance drove through and received food box donations. Volunteers wore masks and gloves to protect beneficiaries as they drove through the line.

Baitulmaal West Coast Coordinator Abdullah Azab said working with interfaith partners in the community was vital to getting the word out about the food pantry.

“We had a lot of help from volunteers from different faith communities,” said Azad. “It’s really beautiful to see people coming together, even as we all need to keep social distancing.”

Azad’s organization raised more than $100,000 earlier this month to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We continue to raise money so we can help more people,” Azab continued. “It’s tough trying to get through this crisis, and it looks like it’s going to get harder before it gets better.”

For more information about COVID-19, please see the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

For more information about Baitulmaal or to contribute to its COVID-19 relief fund, please visit https://johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, the charity has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New Jersey as well as international offices in Jordan, Kenya, Somalia and Pakistan.

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600 Families Receive Food Assistance in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, April 11, 2020 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based humanitarian organization, teamed up with Uplift Charity and West Coast Islamic Center for a drive-through food pantry and delivered food packages to more than 600 families impacted by the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The drive-through food pantry took place at 1717 South Brookhurst Street in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, April 11, 2020, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Local residents in need of food assistance drove through and received food box donations. Volunteers wore masks and gloves to protect beneficiaries as they drove through the line.

Baitulmaal West Coast Coordinator Abdullah Azab said they were overwhelmed with families passing through the line in their cars.

“I was worried we were going to cause traffic issues,” said Azab, who had publicized the drive-through food pantry the day before in surrounding neighborhoods. “Fortunately the Anaheim police department helped us out, really made things go smoothly.”

Azab said his organization raised more than $100,000 earlier this month to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We continue to raise money so we can help more people,” Azab continued. “It’s tough trying to get through this crisis, and it looks like it’s going to get harder before it gets better.”

For more information about COVID-19, please see the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

For more information about Baitulmaal or to contribute to its COVID-19 relief fund, please visit https://johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, the charity has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New Jersey as well as international offices in Jordan, Kenya, Somalia and Pakistan.

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Baitulmaal Launches Nationwide Food Pantry Network

As we observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we remind ourselves of the significant contributions he made to peaceful resistance against racial injustice. His philosophy, words and actions continue to inspire civil rights movements today.

In his December 11, 1964, Nobel Peace Prize lecture, Dr. King pointed out the evils of racial injustice, war and poverty. In his address he said:

“This problem of poverty is not only seen in the class division between the highly developed industrial nations and the so-called underdeveloped nations; it is seen in the great economic gaps within the rich nations themselves.”

An estimated 1 in 8 Americans are food insecure, which is roughly 40 million people. That’s 3 million more people than the entire population of Canada who lack the financial resources to consistently have food. These are our neighbors, including more than 12 million children, who need our help today.

It is in the spirit of responding to evil with good that Baitulmaal is establishing a food pantry program in America to address the ongoing problem of food insecurity in our communities. Our pilot project is already underway in Chicago.

Our vision is to have food pantries in every major city by the end of 2020, but we can only do this with your generous support.

Allah (swt) says in the Quran:

“Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and they repel evil with good, and they spend from what We have provided them.” Quran 28:54

At Baitulmaal, we work tirelessly to follow this commandment of Allah (swt) to respond to evil with good. And as the evils of poverty continue to run rampant across the world, including right here in America, we must continue to strive harder with increasing generosity.

 

About Baitulmaal, Inc. 

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, the charity has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit as well as international offices in Jordan, Kenya and Pakistan.

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