The WUST Foundation's Food Aid Initiative for Low-Income New Yorkers
In honor of the holy month of Ramadan and in anticipation of Eid Ul Fitr, the WUST Foundation, alongside two other organizations, has joined forces to provide food assistance to low-income individuals in New York. Last Sunday, April 7th, an initiative was launched to distribute food items to over 300 families in Queens, New York. The aim of this initiative was twofold: to offer support to those persevering through economic challenges and to spread the joy of Eid to those in need. Established in 2020, the WUST Foundation, a non-profit organization affiliated with Washington University of Science and Technology, has been dedicated to aiding the underprivileged and underserved members of the community. Collaborating closely with Save the People and Muna Social Services, WUST successfully executed this program, underscoring their commitment to uplifting communities in need. On the day of the program, individuals from low-income backgrounds began gathering in Jamaica, Queens, as early as morning. They had been previously notified about the food assistance via SMS on their mobile phones. Over three hundred people assembled to receive aid, forming orderly lines to collect various types of food products. Organizers mentioned that twenty different food items were distributed throughout the event. Recipients expressed gratitude, with one stating that the assistance provided enough food to sustain a small family for an entire month. Beneficiaries conveyed their happiness and appreciation towards the organizers. Even the children who attended the event were delighted, as the food packages included their favorite items. Individuals of varying ages, both men and women, arrived to receive the food aid, reflecting the diverse demographic benefiting from the initiative. The food aid distribution was carried out meticulously with the assistance of a team comprising more than a dozen volunteers. Maulana Muhammad Shahidullah, the head of Save the People, served as the primary coordinator of the program. Reflecting on the initiative, Shahidullah highlighted the prevalence of low-income individuals in the United States who often struggle to access sufficient food. Many people find themselves in a financial impasse, unable to afford nutritious meals. This initiative was conceived with the aim of assisting these vulnerable members of the community, including new immigrants to the USA. Notably, a significant number of expatriate Bangladeshis were among those who benefited. Expressing gratitude towards the WUST Foundation for the support, Shahidullah emphasized that the initiative stemmed from a sense of social responsibility. He extended thanks to Abubokor Hanip, Chancellor of Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) and President of WUST Foundation, as well as other donors whose contributions were instrumental in realizing this significant social endeavor. This initiative aims to alleviate food insecurities among low-income individuals and newly settled residents in New York to some extent. More than 20 different grocery items were distributed, catering specifically to those in need who met the eligibility criteria for assistance. The outreach extended beyond Queens, with people from various locations including Brooklyn and Manhattan attending to collect food provisions. The volunteer team included Shah Muhammad Shafiullah Siddiqui Huzur from Sarshina, Anisul Kabir Jasir, advisor of Save the People, Veronica Hossain from Peace Center USA, Umma Siddiqa from Queens Power, Imam Abdul Mukit from Darus Salam Mosque, Kenny R. Placencio, Project Manager for New York City Department of Transportation, Farhad Solaynan, Advisor to New York City Mayor, Majeda Uddin, President of Safefest, Kaiser Sajeeb, Pharmacist, Sharmin, UNO-USA Representative, Zubair Abdullah, Professor at Dhaka University, and Faisal Ahmed from NYC Department of Building. These dedicated individuals worked together to ensure the smooth execution of the program, demonstrating a collective commitment to serving the community.
