Volunteer-based social organization Save the People has distributed food supplies to nearly 300 low-income and underprivileged families in New York ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Adha. The organization said the humanitarian initiative is expected to help provide Eid meals for around 1,200 people.
The food distribution program was held on May 21 in Jamaica, New York, and was attended by people from various communities, including Bangladeshi and Hispanic residents. Organizers said the initiative aimed to share the joy of Eid and bring smiles to the faces of struggling families.
Among those present at the event were Save the People CEO and community activist Maulana Mohammad Shahidullah, Jamaica Muslim Center Secretary Fakhrul Islam Delowar, District-32 Assembly candidate Molla Sani, Congressman Gregory Meeks, along with several community activists and local leaders.
Organizers noted that the rising cost of living in New York has made life increasingly difficult for many low-income families. Immigrants, unemployed individuals, and low-wage earners often struggle to arrange adequate food during Eid. Taking this reality into account, the organization arranged the special food assistance program.
Each food package included around 20 essential grocery items such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, meat, and other necessities. People from different communities stood in long lines to receive the supplies, many expressing relief and gratitude.
Speaking at the event, Save the People CEO Maulana Mohammad Shahidullah said, “The joy of Eid cannot remain limited to those who are financially well-off. Sharing that joy with underprivileged members of society is our moral responsibility. We are trying to support not only the Bangladeshi community but also people from various ethnic communities across New York.”
He added that Save the People regularly organizes humanitarian and community-building initiatives to promote compassion and social harmony, and plans to continue such efforts in the future.
Jamaica Muslim Center Secretary Fakhrul Islam Delowar said many immigrant families silently endure hardships while living abroad. “Standing beside them is not only a social responsibility but also a religious duty. Initiatives like this ahead of Eid help strengthen empathy and brotherhood among people,” he said.
District-32 Assembly candidate Molla Sani described the initiative as especially important in New York’s multicultural society. “This is not just food assistance,” he said. “It also strengthens unity, cooperation, and humanitarian relationships among different communities.”
Many of the families receiving assistance expressed their gratitude to the organizers, saying the support brought them much-needed relief amid rising prices ahead of Eid.
Local community leaders also praised the initiative, saying that if affluent individuals and social organizations continue to step forward in this way, many struggling immigrant families would find some comfort, making Eid celebrations more meaningful for everyone.
