In Birmingham, a powerful display of community solidarity unfolded as hundreds of volunteers gathered to pack nearly 42,000 meals for families in need.
The initiative, led by the Birmingham Islamic Society in partnership with Islamic Relief USA, came at a time when food insecurity is rising sharply across the region — and when many families are feeling the strain of reduced public assistance, CBS reported.
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Organizers say the turnout reflected both the increasing demand for support and a deep sense of responsibility felt across the community.
“The community is coming up to do something beneficial, especially with us seeing the SNAP benefits being cut off,” said Mouhammad Al Kanawati, Assistant Director of Community Fund Development at Islamic Relief USA.
“Some people are being offered the food stamps, and we have a duty, since we have the resources to share with our community.”
The event brought together people of all ages, backgrounds, and professions, united by the shared goal of ensuring their neighbors do not go without a meal during the holidays.
Remembering Jenna
But beneath the energy and teamwork, there was also a quiet layer of grief. Volunteers dedicated the day’s work to the memory of Jenna Qashou, a beloved young volunteer who tragically passed away in a car accident just a week earlier.
Her absence was felt deeply among those who had served alongside her.
“Jenna loved to visit friends and family, and it was her passion. They know that Jenna would have been here if she was still alive again because she was a very active volunteer member of this community,” said her father, Maher Qashou.
For many, packing meals became an act of remembrance — a way to honor her commitment to service and her enduring connection to the community she loved.
The event also took place in a week marked by tension for local Muslims. Just days earlier, Hoover’s zoning commission denied expansion plans for the Islamic Academy of Alabama.
In addition, remarks from some local politicians fueled concern and frustration among residents who felt their community was being misrepresented.
Amid those challenges, Saturday’s meal-packing event became a space for affirmation and clarity — a moment to express, through action, what the Birmingham Muslim community stands for.
“We’re trying our best to portray our religion in a good light, and we just hope that as much as effort we’re trying to do, the community itself, they take the time to actually look inside, to see our religion, how we truly are and not what, unfortunately, the extremist groups try and make us believe,” said volunteer Yusuf Nabi.
By the end of the day, thousands of packaged meals lined the distribution tables, a tangible expression of compassion and resilience.
Organizers say the meals will be delivered to families across Birmingham, with the exact distribution date to be finalized.
What remained most striking, however, was the sense of unity: a community responding to rising need, honoring one of its brightest young volunteers, and standing firm in its commitment to serve — even in a difficult and emotional week.