Islamic Relief Volunteers Pack 20,000 Meals for Food Bank

Interfaith group gathers at Austin mosque to support Central Texas Food Bank

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Volunteers from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds came together at the Nueces Mosque in Austin, Texas on Sunday to pack 20,000 meals for the Central Texas Food Bank.

Why it matters

The meal-packing event organized by Islamic Relief USA demonstrates how faith-based organizations can mobilize communities to address food insecurity, an issue that has become more pressing during the pandemic. The collaboration between volunteers of different beliefs also highlights the power of interfaith cooperation to make a positive impact.

The details

The volunteers spent the day assembling nutritious meal kits containing rice, lentils, and other shelf-stable ingredients. The packaged meals will be distributed through the Central Texas Food Bank's network to families in need across the region.

  • The meal-packing event took place on Sunday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Islamic Relief U.S.A.

A non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief both domestically and internationally.

Central Texas Food Bank

A regional food bank serving 21 counties in Central Texas, distributing millions of meals annually to those facing food insecurity.

Nueces Mosque

A mosque located in Austin, Texas that hosted the meal-packing event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Events like this show how people of all faiths can come together to support our community and make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger.”

— Shariq Siddiqui, Director of Islamic Relief USA (fox7austin.com)

The takeaway

This interfaith meal-packing initiative demonstrates how religious organizations can leverage their resources and mobilize diverse volunteers to address pressing social issues like food insecurity in their local communities.