NEW YORK, Mar. 28, 2025 — Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims around the world, is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-restraint—marked by fasting from dawn to sunset and breaking fast each evening with a shared meal called iftar.
“During Ramadan, you’re trying to be your best self,” said Sultana Ocasio, Director of Food Bank For NYC’s Community Kitchen. “You’re practicing kindness, humility, and gratitude. But when you break your fast, you also realize how fragile and vulnerable we all are.”
While Ramadan is a time of gratitude, it can also highlight the daily struggles faced by food-insecure Muslim New Yorkers.
“There are families who want to cook halal meals and celebrate with traditional dishes during Ramadan and Eid—but many simply can’t afford to,” said Erum Hanif, CEO of Apna Brooklyn Community Center. “After 18 hours of fasting, you need a nutritious meal on the table.”
“You can’t help but have empathy,” added Ocasio, “thinking of our neighbors who are fasting and have nothing to break their fast with.”
At Food Bank For NYC, we believe food should nourish both body and soul. That’s why we’ve prioritized culturally relevant food in our work—distributing over 31 million pounds of it this past year alone through direct programs and our network of 800 community partners. From halal meals during Ramadan to staples like masa flour, dates, and yuca, our expanding inventory reflects the city we serve.
“New York isn’t cookie cutter,” said Bob Silvia, Chief Operations and Procurement Officer. “Food assistance only works if people can—and want to—eat the food we offer. Cultural relevance matters.”
“Food Bank takes extra care and treats us so well,” said Sharin, a New Yorker who visits our Community Kitchen. “During Ramadan, they make sure we have halal meals when we need them.”
“Food is a way to honor traditions and bring people together,” said President and CEO Leslie Gordon. “When it’s familiar and meaningful, it invites New Yorkers to seek the support they need—and helps them feel seen, respected, and welcome.”
This Ramadan, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors—ensuring they can celebrate with joy, nourishment, and dignity.
Ramadan Mubarak, from all of us at Food Bank For NYC.