“We do our best to make sure we are not concerned about our own community. We are concerned about the entire community of San José,” said Evergreen Islamic Center (EIC) President Akbar Syed.

The EIC is stepping up efforts to feed San José residents in need. Last Saturday, the EIC’s inaugural food distribution event saw dozens of families receive food bags from volunteers, mosque-goers and even San José Mayor Sam Liccardo.

“It’s really a testament to how our community comes together in times of crisis,” said Mayor Liccardo at the event at the EIC on Sept. 26. “The only reason why we’re able to do this is because of incredible community members like these here at Evergreen Islamic Center.”

Vice President of the Evergreen Islamic Center, Nayeem Khaja, speaks with David Ngô from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services as they launched a new food distribution program that will be open to all San Jose residents. Photo taken by John Ryan Amayun.

Community- and faith-based organizations have been monumental in helping to distribute more than 2.3 million meals a week, and the EIC hopes to contribute by hosting more food distribution events.

According to data from Silicon Valley Strong, groups like Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley are working with community-based organizations to distribute 321,429 daily meals.

However, when it comes to faith-based organizations like the EIC, much of the food they are giving away are sourced and funded by faith practitioners themselves solely on one simple condition– the goodness of their heart.

“Our food distribution program is very simple. We are fortunate people, there is no less fortunate,” said Syed.

A volunteer awaits a busy line of cars alongside prepared bags of food to be given away at the EIC’s inaugural food distribution event on Sept. 26, 2020. Photo taken by John Ryan Amayun.

With the help of volunteers, faith-based organizations are launching their own food distribution programs to stem the flow of demand as school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits see the continuous need for food assistance.

These faith-based organizations are becoming crucial community partners in alleviating food banks, empowering volunteers to give back, and most importantly– promoting food security.

Founded in 1996 as a member of the South Bay Islamic Association, the EIC supports not only a rapidly growing Muslim community in San José, but also its neighboring communities as a scenic presence nestled in the Evergreen hills.

Though last Saturday’s event was the first food distribution event to be held at the mosque, the EIC’s food distribution program will be open to all residents, regardless of faith, ethnicity and zip code.

“This mosque is special because our organization is open to everybody,” Syed exclaimed. “It’s open to all faiths, everybody in the community.”

Residents who participated in last Saturday’s event received free bags of food while maintaining safe social distancing with a drive-thru system put in place.

Event volunteers direct cars coming into the Evergreen Islamic Center. Dozens of San Jose families visited the mosque last Saturday to pick up free bags of food to bring home. Photo taken by John Ryan Amayun.

Located just off Ruby Avenue in San José’s Evergreen neighborhood, the EIC packed food bags full of Cheerios cereal, six packs of Sunny D, and packets of tikka masala for the many families that visited.

“It’s been said that we’re only able to see the stars when the skies are the darkest,” added Mayor Liccardo. “It's so heartening to see people shine in this moment. What I’ve seen from my neighbors is one more reason why I’m just proud to serve in this community.”

Learn more about the EIC food distribution program by visiting them online at www.eicsanjose.org.

For more information on how you can access and find food resources in your neighborhood, please visit bit.ly/SCCFoodMap. #SiliconValleyStrong #SVEats #KeepSVHealthy