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Weekly meals for families facing hunger in Mecca

The Community Pantry pantry in Mecca is running low just as demand rises; $1,400 will stock it for 9 weeks.

Anywhere in the world1,332 views
Khalid Tariq Zaki
Email verified
Mecca
Since 2019, our volunteer team has run Community Pantry every Monday from the back of the mosque courtyard. We started with 19 families, and now we feed 222 each week. Donations have dropped by about 57% this harvest gap, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 16 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Mecca market and keep every receipt. Each $15 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $1,400 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $900 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $320 • Baby formula and diapers: $140 • Refrigeration and electricity: $40 If you're reading this, thank you.
#food-pantry#hunger#volunteer-led#food

Updates from Khalid

  1. Good news. Because of your gifts ($91 in total) I made the first payment toward rice, beans, flour and oil. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely. - Khalid

  2. We're at 4% thanks to 2 of you. I met with the wholesaler and confirmed the amounts. More news soon.

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Mangesh T. Wagh 🇮🇳 · $25
  • Mohit N. Malhotra 🇮🇳 · $100
  • Fabiana Correia 🇧🇷 · $16
  • Souad Maryam Wahba 🇪🇬 · $25
  • Mega Indah Rahman 🇮🇩 · $25

    “Thought of Khalid all day after reading this. - Jakarta”

  • Farah Mehwish Jilani 🇵🇰 · $25

    “Thought of Khalid all day after reading this. - Sukkur”

Reviews

4.0(3 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Bhavani P. Das🇮🇳Verified helper
    Genuine person with a big heart

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Vandana T. Jat🇮🇳Verified donor
    Really cared about my situation

    I can't speak highly enough about this helper. They were available when I needed them, supportive when I felt lost, and practical in their solutions.

  • Jolanda Jolanda De Haan🇳🇱Verified helper
    Delivered on promises

    The difference this person made in my life cannot be overstated. They were patient, kind, and persistent in helping me find solutions. Truly exceptional.

Questions & comments

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  • Héctor T. CastilloQuestion

    can I help in a way that isn't money? I'm near Mecca!

    • Khalid Tariq ZakiOwnerAnswer

      Thank you. If you're in Mecca I'll say if something practical comes up. For now sharing this is great. Appreciate you taking the time.

  • Mauricio R. Cabrera

    Keep going, Khalid. Looking forward to the next update.

    • Derya İpek ÖzerQuestion

      Is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Khalid

      • Khalid Tariq ZakiOwnerAnswer

        Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale) is $900 of it. Everything else is listed in the story and nothing outside that list comes out of this page. Thanks for looking so closely.

    • Francisca Bruna Barros

      Thinking of you and your family. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. I told my book club about it and three of them are giving too. God bless

      • Raffaella Concetta Mancini

        Thinking of you. Projects like this are what make a place worth living in. This is the second need I've supported on here and the first that made me cry. Blessings.

        • Fe L. Velasco

          hope things get better soon, Khalid. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes.

          $216 raised of $1,400

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