Iowa, United States of America, August 21st, 2020 – Islamic Services of America[i] is donating food relief and hot meal donations to families in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community who were heavily affected by the devastating Derecho Storm[ii] that hit the state and other areas of the Midwest on Monday, August 10th. With limited to no available power for homes, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations, families were left with little means to feed their families and unable to replenish their food supplies.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is deeply grateful to Islamic Services of America (ISA) for their support in feeding families,” said Linda Henecke, agency CEO. “Our staff are connecting with each of the 400 families we serve and learning their needs. With this partnership, we’ll deliver meals to 100 families who are hurting.”
“Bless you,” said one mother of 3, who lost her job in March when hotel stays decreased due to the COVID-19 virus. Her family is still without power after 10 days and their needs are great. Delivering meals directly to families is a wonderful way ISA is helping the community.”
Prior to the pandemic and prior to last week’s historical Derecho storm that knocked out power and damaged homes and businesses across the state, many Iowans were already suffering from food insecurity in the best of times.
Recent data from the Feeding America Website[iii] states that 1 in 10 people and 1 in 7 children are impacted each day by hunger in Iowa. This equates to 305,000 people, and of them 102,000 are children. Recognizing the impact of food insecurity was already a factor, ISA decided it was time to act.
Having established a supportive relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Iowa[iv] (BBBS) over the past few years, President of ISA, Jalel Aossey, reached out to extend an open hand and provide support where it was needed most.
“I have lived nearly my entire life in Iowa and yet the damage and impact from this recent Derecho storm coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has truly devastated our community as it and others across the country attempt to rebuild and move forward.
ISA was founded on the idea and belief of community development and support. We have been blessed with good fortune these past few years and it is our turn to continue to step forward and help our community. Having a local partner in Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped to make that process easier to reach those most in need.”
About ISA
Established in 1975, ISA is an accredited and recognized global leader in Halal certification and auditing services with a team of regional offices, food science professionals and industry experts in the USA and Canada. ISA certifies consumable and non-consumable products ranging from meat and poultry, flavors and ingredients, dairy, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. For more information visit: www.isahalal.com
