In celebration of Eid ul-Adha, Zakat Foundation, a Muslim-run relief and development organization based in Bridgeview, began to distribute fresh meat to impoverished families in over 35 countries. In its effort to alleviate hunger worldwide, Zakat Foundation does not forget struggling local communities in the United States. The hard economic times have seen more families in need. Impoverished families and individuals here in the United States face the trial of finding social and economic stability.
Zakat Foundation's distribution of freshly slaughtered cow meat will benefit approximately 1,000 struggling families and needy people in the Chicago land area, Baltimore and Wilmington, DE. The main distribution takes place at Zakat Foundation's main office in Bridgeview, during the week of November 21st. More than thirteen local mosques, food pantries, women shelters and social service organizations will be giving away free meat donated by Zakat Foundation in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to Zakat Foundation's Social Services Director, Sheryl Bilal, “Eid ul-Adha is a great time for struggling families. Many of them can't afford to consume meat due to economic hardship.” She also added that Zakat Foundation is grateful for the cooperation from local partners in extending the organization's reach to so many needy families.
Since 2001, Zakat Foundation has distributed thousands of pounds of fresh meat to the Chicago area communities during its Udhiya/Qurbani Program and has also included other cities across the United States, making it possible for donors to choose local Udhiya meat distribution.