PHOTOS COURTESY OF AZRA BAIG

Opinion: Thanksgiving cheer at the ISCJ Food Pantry

On Saturday, Nov. 21, the Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ) held its weekly Drive-Thru Food Pantry event, but on this particular Saturday, it was about providing extra holiday cheer.
The pantry provided turkeys, chicken, canned vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, bread, milk and other food items. Approximately 150 turkeys, boxes full of food, and a note with “Happy Thanksgiving” wishes were given out. The ISCJ wants to thank the community for their support and donations for this worthy cause.
Some individuals that came by to pick up turkeys and food boxes mentioned that since the pandemic they have been unemployed, or their work hours have been reduced and they have been unable to pay their bills. Everyone was very thankful for the local masjid’s efforts.
There were many volunteers from our community, both young and old, that worked together as a team to help prepare the boxes and pack them in the cars of anyone who needed them.
The ISCJ has been distributing food on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. since May, and has given out hundreds of packed boxes weekly. They plan to continue the ISCJ Food Pantry as long as there’s a need. Since we are all going through this pandemic together, now is the best time to help people because we have to unite to get through these tough times. We are very fortunate to work with township partners such as the South Brunswick Food Pantry and South Brunswick police on this initiative.
If there is anyone who needs help from the ISCJ food pantry, contact us at [email protected]
Hira Shakir 
South Brunswick High School student
ISCJ member
South Brunswick