Why a Food Aid Pack?

How one hamper can change hundreds of lives.

Abdullah bin Amr (R.A.) said, ’A man asked the Prophet (S,A,W,), “What Islamic traits are the best?” The Prophet said, ”Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know”’. [Bukhari]

Every Ramadhan, we at Global Ehsan Relief launch a variety of campaigns targeted at helping those in need. But our biggest and most anticipated event is our annual Ramadhan Charity Drive, where we gather volunteers, staff, and guests to give back to the community in a big way.

Each year, we’ve raised funds for 500 food aid packs worth $50, containing essential groceries such as rice, noodles, canned goods, and cooking oil. Hundreds of Singaporean families in need have benefited from this project.

But the question is - why a food aid pack?

It’s a common misconception that poverty doesn’t exist in Singapore. Many often think that people in other countries have it much worse, and suffer far more than anyone in Singapore.

But the truth is that at least 110,000 to 140,000 households fall under the basic living expenditure of $1,250. Hidden under our noses, hundreds of thousands of families are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to keep up with expenses.

Our rapidly inflating economy isn’t helping either - prices of food are soaring everywhere, with even well-to-do Singaporeans feeling the pinch.

So what can we do about it?

A long term solution to poverty in Singapore will be a long time coming. In the meantime, we step in to help as many of these families as possible, and ensure that they don’t have to go hungry - especially in Ramadhan.

No parent should have to choose between buying food and paying for school fees. No elder should have to work a menial job just to be able to afford a meal.

Atiyyah Al-'Awfi narrated from Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri, that The Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Whichever believer feeds a hungry believer , Allah feeds him from the fruits of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection.” [Tirmidhi]

This year, we’re stepping up our efforts to give back in the most blessed month of the year. Our Mega Ramadhan Charity Drive 2023 will secure essential groceries for 1,000 families in need, providing them enough to feed a family of five to seven for the whole month of Ramadhan!

With every $50 donated, you can ease the burden of a family struggling to make ends meet, and also earn a multitude of rewards for yourself in the holy month. Find out more about how you can make this Ramadhan special for them here.