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Wa maa tukhaddimu li anfusikum min khayrin tajidu ‘indallahi huwa kharyan wa a’dhama ajra

And whatever good you send on before yourselves, you will find it with Allah, better (that what you actually sent) and a great reward. 

Wa Sall Allahu ta ‘ala 'alaa Sayyidinaa wa Mawlaanaa Muhammadin wa Aalihi wa Sahbihi wa sallim

1. What made you start the food pantry?

The Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services was started in the spring of 2011 because there is a tremendous need for food pantries specifically designed to meet the needs of Muslim families. Recent statistics from the Department of Agriculture have revealed that as a result of the economic downturn or loss of income of families in America many are finding it more and more difficult to provide sufficient food to feed their families. After living in Northeast Georgia for over 20 years and having the opportunity to live around Muslims and visit Muslims in other areas the idea for starting a food pantry seemed very relevant since there are currently no food pantries in the Northeast Georgia area specifically intended to assist those Muslim families with the exception of Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services. There are local food pantries in various counties throughout Northeast Georgia and Atlanta; however, much of the food distributed from these pantries cannot be eaten by Muslims. The meat is not dhabihah halal, much of the food contains pork, lard, or gelatin products as well as animal shortening in some of the snacks, baked products and cookies. From this standpoint alone, there is a great need for a food pantry that will distribute dhabihah meat and food that is halal for Muslims to eat. Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services also distributes Islamic clothing, modest seasonal clothing, baby clothes and personal care items to Muslim families in need of clothes as well as food through our mobile food pantry. We deliver food and clothing three or more times per week locally throughout the Northeast Georgia area depending upon need and two to three times per week to families in the metro Atlanta area who call us requesting assistance. For emergency assistance, we make every effort to respond within 24-48 hours depending upon the particular circumstances of each family.

2. What is the main differentiating factor in this pantry (why is it special)?

The most important differentiating factor when compared to other food pantries in the Northeast Georgia area is that the Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services is unique in that it caters to the needs of Muslims families and distributes halal foods, different ethnic Islamic foods and also offers health education classes on a monthly basis to children and adults to encourage healthy eating habits in accordance with Islamic guidelines and restrictions. Additionally, the Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services also distributes Islamic clothing, modest seasonal clothing, baby clothes and personal care products to Muslim families who are in need of clothing and other items. Another distinguishing factor is that unlike the more traditional food pantries where there is a limit of how often families and individuals can come to the pantry (usually twice per year or in some cases every few months) it is a policy of the Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services not to turn anyone away that is in need of food and clothing. If need be families and individuals can come on a monthly basis until their financial situation improves and they are able to purchase food or have sufficient amounts of food to feed their families. Food, clothing and household items (furniture, appliances, and personal care items) are also delivered to individuals and families on a weekly basis who do not have transportation to come to pick up food and clothes. In addition, Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services offers monthly health and nutrition classes which cover a broad range of topics including acupuncture, the use of herbs for healing, first aid and safety, massage therapy and healthy diet and nutrition.

3. How has this pantry benefitted the community in the past?

The Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services opened in May 2011 as a small food pantry designed to serve Muslims in the Northeast Georgia area, however, after four short months of operation Muslims located in the metro Atlanta area who were in need of food, clothes and household items were also served. By June 2012, Madinah Food Pantry extended its services to include family services and already has helped to feed and clothe many Muslim families who are experiencing financial hardships as well as assist with bills when able. During the month of Ramadan much of the food that was donated was used for Iftar meals to feed individuals and families and distributed to families who did not have sufficient finances to feed their families. For the past two years during the blessed month of Ramadhan along with hosting Iftar meals and distributing food packages and personal care items to families, the Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services also participated in a nationwide program that helped to provide Eid Gifts to children from infants to age 18 in Northeast Georgia and the metro Atlanta area. This past year Ramadhan baskets were distributed to families throughout Northeast Georgia and metro Atlanta filled with food, Islamic literature and other goodies donated by Muslim Girl Scouts of the Lawrenceville area in metro Atlanta. 

Many of the families who request assistance from Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services have at least 4 or more children, some are single parent families, many are elderly and most are families with no income or limited incomes. Even with supplemental food assistance programs such as WIC or TANF, these programs in many cases are not enough to feed the entire family for a month so Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services has assisted many families with food and clothing (when requested) who otherwise would be left without food to feed their families or have to borrow food from others who may or may not be able to assist those in need. The Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services also networks with other Muslim run pantries and if and when possible, donates food requested to other pantries such as Baitul Salaam Network located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.