ICNA Relief Chicago to distribute halal meat and backpacks

ICNA Relief Chicago, the local chapter of the national nonprofit, has so far distributed over 200,000 pounds of food, serving over 25,000 individuals in need in the Chicago area in 2021. On July 31 and Aug. 7, the organization will distribute over 20,000 pounds of fresh meat that have been blessed and slaughtered by Islamic rules, rendering the meat "halal" or permissible for Muslims. The organization also will distribute backpacks and school supplies as part of its annual Back2School campaign to empower students.

Recipients include Chicago area families, including refugees and others struggling financially. The meat distribution is made possible thanks to the generosity of area Muslims as part of the annual Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated this year between July 20 and July 24.

"Halal meat, unfortunately, is not available via most food banks. Rarely donated to food pantries, it is the number one most requested and least available item in ICNA Relief's food pantries, year-round," says Dr. Saima Azfar, the Midwest Regional Director of ICNA Relief. "We are grateful to our donors who choose to share their blessings with those who have less this Eid holiday. In addition, it's important to note that 20 percent of American kids live in poverty. We know that our back-to-school efforts represent much more than backpacks and supplies for these underprivileged kids."

ICNA Relief has been fulfilling the Islamic ritual of halal meat distribution for over thirteen years, ensuring that neighbors in need receive high-quality meat on the Eid holiday. Known as Qurbani or Udhiya, the distribution is a huge undertaking, especially these dire days.

Back2School drives have also been ongoing with ICNA Relief for over a decade, helping secure a successful and confident school year for students.

To learn more about donating, visit www.icnarelief.org/donate. For more on volunteering, go to bit.ly/ICNAReliefWaiver