Stop Hunger Now Service Project-Volunteers Package 40,000 Meals

August 31, 2013 – ISNA celebrated its 50th anniversary through service to others during its 50th annual convention in Washington, DC over the Labor Day Weekend.  ISNA partnered with Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency, and was joined by co-sponsors Islamic Relief USA, Islamic Circle of North America and Zakat Foundation, to package meals to feed hungry people in countries around the world. For almost three hours, 200 volunteers from among the convention attendees poured, measured and weighed rice, dehydrated vegetables and soy protein to make individual meal pouches.  The pouches were then sealed and boxed for later shipment.  The volunteers cheered every time a gong was struck, marking another 1000 meal pouches being completed.  The gong rang out 40 times – a total of 40,000 meals were made, Alhumdulillah! The volunteers included brothers and sisters, young and old – parents, grandparents and children.  They were especially moved, even to tears, when the project supervisor had everyone clap after he counted to three.  “1, 2, 3 – clap.  1, 2, 3 – clap.”  Every time we clapped signified someone dying from hunger somewhere in the world.  That is every 3 seconds! This volunteer experience was greatly appreciated by the volunteers, who pledged to participate in future service projects.  ISNA vows to continue to offer such volunteer service projects, and encourages everyone to initiate and participate in similar projects in their communities and masjids across the country. Many, many thanks to the sponsoring organizations, the service project organizers, and especially to the volunteers who put their faith into action by helping to feed hungry people around the world.