According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City will provide 500000 free Halal Meals during Ramzan. The United States has been one of the worst affected countries of the COVID-19 outbreak. The country is also struggling to cope with the faltering economy, while President Donald Trump is mulling over plans to reopen the economy gradually. With the Ramadan season having begun, Trump’s future steps are keenly awaited.
New York to provide free meals
Mayor of the City, Bill de Blasio said:
“One of Ramzan’s most noble calling is to feed the hungry, it is a crucial part of how the holiday is celebrated, to remember to be there for those in need. Since mosques that provide meals for the poor to break their Ramzan fast are not able to function because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the city will ensure they will get halal meals.“
This program is a part of the wider meal program, that has been initiated in New York to feed people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The focus of the Ramadan Program is said to be 32 highly Muslim populated regions in the city.
Grab and Go Centres
‘Grab and Go’ Centres have been opened across the city, wherein free meal packets would be distributed. However, people can only pick the packages but are not allowed to eat at the site.
While 400000 Halal meals will be distributed via these centers, another 100000 meals are said to be distributed through community organizations. Apart from the ‘Grab and Go’ Initiative, in New York, thousands of taxis have been employed to distribute food to homebound citizens.
