Earlier this Ramadan, our New York Community Center was filled to the brim with fresh produce and essential groceries, thanks to the generosity of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (MET Council) and UJA-Federation of New York.
Together, we distributed groceries to 572 individuals, mainly Afghan and immigrant families experiencing food insecurity. Through this distribution, these families now have nutritious meals during a sacred month centered on reflection, generosity, and community.
For many of the families we serve, Ramadan can bring both spiritual comfort and financial strain. Rising food costs, employment barriers, and ongoing immigration uncertainty often make it difficult to consistently afford fresh and healthy groceries. This partnership has helped ease that burden. Parents were able to prepare iftar meals without the added stress of choosing between food and rent. Children had access to nourishing produce. Seniors felt remembered and supported.
Food distribution is about more than sustenance. It is about dignity. It is about making families feel seen and cared for during a month that emphasizes compassion and collective responsibility.
“I would like to sincerely thank Women for Afghan Women as well as the MET Council for the Ramadan assistance they provided to us. I truly appreciate them and am grateful for their generous support. I would also like to mention that these contributions are very helpful and valuable for families, and they are made possible through the strong cooperation and dedicated hard work of both organizations.” — Community Member.
By working together, WAW, MET Council, and UJA were able to respond quickly and thoughtfully to urgent needs while honoring the cultural traditions that matter deeply to the community.
Partnerships like this remind us that when organizations come together around shared values, communities grow stronger, especially during moments that matter most!